Moriches Bay Buzz: Summer primer

Summer 2011 is officially here, and if you’re like me, your calendar is already jam-packed with parties, barbecues and other summer commitments through Labor Day. Hopefully, you’ll have some free time to enjoy even just a little bit of what our great island has to offer during the summer months. To that end, below are just a few  activities to consider:

Summer Sundays at BNL

Brookhaven National Laboratory will open its doors to the public this summer for a variety of interesting and entertaining events for the whole family to enjoy, free of charge.

The Summer Sundays series starts off July 17 with Exploring the Ultra Small and Solving the Energy Challenge, followed by Brilliant Light, Dazzling Discoveries on July 24; More to Explore Day on July 31; Storm Hunters on Aug. 7; and Atom Smashing on Aug. 14.

Gates are open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and visitors 16 and older are required to bring photo identification. For directions or questions, call 631-344-2651, or visit the laboratory's website here. 

Summer concert series abound

You don’t have to travel far during the summer months to enjoy an evening of live music under the stars:

On Saturday, July 9, the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches summer concert series starts with The Chain Reaction Band. Other concerts will feature Anomaly on July 30 and Six Gun on Aug. 13. All concerts will be at 7 p.m. on the front lawn of Clayton Huey Elementary School, 529 Main St., Center Moriches.  Attendees should bring a blanket or chair for seating, and plenty of insect repellent. Email correspondingsec@moricheschamber.org for more information.

On Thursday, July 7, the Greater Westhampton Chamber of Commerce starts its free weekly concerts on the Village Green on Main Street. Concerts will be at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday through Aug. 30. In the event of rain, they’re held in the Westhampton Beach High School auditorium. For more information, or a concert schedule, call 631-288-3337.

Fire Department country-western night

Tickets are  on sale for the inaugural Center Moriches Fire Department Benevolent Association’s country and western night starting at 5 p.m, Saturday, July 16 on the lawn behind the firehouse, 301 Main St.

Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Festivities include a chicken and rib barbecue, unlimited beer and soda, a mechanical bull and line dancing. Call 631-878-0089, extension 116, for tickets and information.

Photo: Budding scientists participate in a Brookhaven National Laboratories summer Sunday activity. (July 10, 2010)