On Monday, November 2, from 7:00pm-8:30pm, the Retreat, Violence Prevention Programs, in conjunction with Southold School will present “Cyber-Safe Kids: Keeping Your Kids Safe in the Technological Fast-Lane – Do You Know Where in the (virtual) World Your Children Are?”

The program will take place in the Southold Elementary School Library and is free and open to the public. It will be presented by Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, a clinician with over 20 years experience in the field of safety and violence prevention with a specialty in digital abuse.

On the same day, Southold School students will participate in either the Cool 2B Kind or the Cyber-Safe Kids in-school program presented by Helen Atkinson-Barnes, Retreat Educator with Hands Are Not for Hitting workshops.

Please RSVP to karenmurray25@gmail.com.

Tags: Southold, events, learning, parenting, schools, teens, youth by Nancy
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A new jazz improv program will soon take place monthly at the East End Arts Council, with support from the Jazz Foundation of America. The program will be held at 133 East Main Street, Riverhead, in the Arts Council’s renovated, historic Carriage House building, which is located behind the gallery and school.

Jazz in the Carriage House will consist of small performances, talks, improv sessions and interactive demonstrations, all focusing on the only form of music truly rooted in American history. The program kicks off on Thursday, October 29 from 7-8:30pm when premier jazz musicians Billy Johnson and Teddy Charles, armed with upright bass and vibes respectively, will play their uniquely beautiful music, discuss the history of jazz in America and share their experiences of becoming performing jazz artists, followed by a Q & A session. To close out the evening, attendees will be encouraged to join the musicians for a session of jazz improvisation.

Subsequent sessions, will be held the 3rd Thursday of each month on an ongoing basis, and will include both demonstration and instruction in jazz techniques and improvisation. All attendees are strongly encouraged to bring their instruments. Current music students of the School of the Arts and EEAC members may attend this program at no charge. There is a nominal fee of $10 for nonmembers/students. Space is limited. Please be sure to reserve your space by contacting the School of the Arts at (631) 369- 2171 or education@eastendarts.org.

About the Jazz Artists

Billy Johnson, bass, was born during the golden age of jazz in Milwaukee to legendary local performer, William “Scat” Johnson. As soon as he was old enough, Bill accompanied his father to gigs at historic Bronzeville and Milwaukee clubs. Thoroughly immersed in music from infancy, it was only natural for him to go on to Wisconsin Conservatory College of Music where he attended from 1974-1978. In 1979 Billy migrated to New York City where he climbed the competitive ranks of the New York City Jazz scene while studying with such jazz greats as Ron Carter, Richard Davis, Buster Williams, Cecil McBee and Rufus Reid. At this time Billy received a full scholarship to attend at Long Island University, where he was later named as Bass and Jazz Combo Instructor. While working as a street musician in NYC, Billy was noticed by singer, Abbey Lincoln. His residency with Lincoln’s band, accompanied by hard work and determination paved the way to touring with Lionel Hampton and Illinois Jaquet, with whom he played at the 1992 Presidential Inaugural Ball. He toured worldwide with Arthur Taylor (Taylor’s Wailers) as well as with other greats such as Abraham Burton, Marc Carey, Charles Davis, Wallace Roney and the Geri Allen Trio. Billy’s love of jazz has led him to share his experiences and skills with the community by teaching and performing in local schools, theatres and churches.

Teddy Charles is considered one of the great jazz vibraphonists and composers of all time, playing with such jazz legends as Charlie Mingus, Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. As a student at Julliard in the mid 40s, he haunted New York’s jazz clubs, occasionally sitting in with the bands on vibes or piano. His break came unexpectedly one night when he was asked to sit in on piano with Coleman Hawkin’s band for the overdue Thelonious Monk. Soon after, Charles began to appear regularly with the top jazz groups of the day, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Buddy De Franco, playing alongside and writing for such jazz stars as Coltrane, Parker, Max Roach and Miles Davis. He recently appeared with Max Roach, David Amram, Lee Konitz. In the early 1950s he began leading his own groups, composing, producing and recording original works such as No More Nights, Blues Become Elektra and Word from Bird.

About the Jazz Foundation of America

The Jazz Foundation of America is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to provide emergency assistance and long-term support to veteran jazz and blues musicians. Visit them online at www.jazzfoundation.org or call (212) 245-3999 for more information about their support for musicians and educational programs.

Tags: East End Arts Council, Riverhead, art & culture, learning by Nancy
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Attention poets and musicians! The East End Arts Council has announced that Billy Squires keyboardist and published singer/songwriter, Alan St. John, will offer a series of one-on-one songwriting/composing classes at its School of the Arts.

This opportunity to work with a professional currently in the business will include 5, two-hour private sessions with Mr. St. John in a state of the art recording studio. Instruction will take the student through the entire process of writing, composing and recording a song in a professional setting.

In addition to Billy Squires, Mr. St. John has worked with such greats as Cher, Twisted Sister, Ronnie Spector, Foreigner, Ted Nugent, Steve Forbert, Phoebe Snow, Robin Beck, Alice Cooper, Tommy Shaw, Iggy Pop, Cinderella, Michael Bolton , Fiona, Paul Young, Peter Wolf, Jules Sher, Leslie West, Desmond Child, Elliot Easton and John Entwistle.

Sessions scheduled on an individual basis beginning in November when Mr. St. John returns from tour. For more information please call the School of the Arts at 369- 2171 or visit www.eastendarts.org.

Tags: art & culture, learning by Nancy
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Getting ready to put on a show. Photo courtesy of East End Arts Council.

Children and teens ages 6yrs. – 15 yrs can learn the art of acting in three new multi-session workshops designed to cover basic aspects of theatre, from  improvisation, vocal and relaxation exercises to using movement, characterization, on-camera work and auditions. Registration is going on now for these comprehensive workshops which start October 2.

THE ART OF ACTING  with instructor Elizabeth Casey will engage participants in all facets of acting.  Over the course of eight weeks you will learn relaxation techniques, vocal exercises, pantomime and improvisation, and work on short scenes.  The class will also explore dialects, stage combat, movement and monologues. Finally, we will discuss auditions and how to develop a successful audition piece.  This class is perfect for newcomers to the stage as well as those with a background in theater.  (8 classes), Ages 9-14 yrs, meets Fridays 5:15-6:30PM, Oct.2-Nov.20. Cost: $100 member EEAC/$125 nonmember.

THEATRE FOR KIDS with instructor Selina Pasca will have children floating around underneath the sea with your fellow acting friends as we explore emotion, mystery and mischief in “The Underwater Rainbow Gang.”  Young actors will learn to use movement and characterization to create a student inspired drama that will take place in the depths of the ocean.  Each class will begin with a warm-up of body and voice and teach the basics of theater arts performance.  The class will culminate with a short production that parents and friends will be invited to attend.  Please dress comfortably and bring a water bottle—we are busy from beginning to end! (8 classes), for ages 6-9 yrs, meets Saturdays 10-11AM, Oct. 17-Dec.12 (no class11/28). Cost: $80 member EEAC/$100 nonmember.

ON-CAMERA TV COMMERCIAL WORKSHOP for Teens & Preteens with instructor Kathleen Furey, (member, SAG/AFTRA) is an acting class for kids focusing on the film television format. Children work on-camera with commercial scripts written specifically for kids. Emphasis is placed on building confidence, diction, focus and character relationships in a supportive atmosphere. Video of each session’s work will be played back at the end of each class. (6 classes), for ages 8-15 yrs, meets Saturdays 12-2PM, Oct.17-Nov. 21. Cost: $146 member EEAC/$183 nonmember.

For more information please call the EEAC School of the Arts at 631. 369. 2171 or visit www.eastendarts.org.

Taking a bow. Photo courtesy of East End Arts Council.

Tags: East End Arts Council, art & culture, learning, teens by Nancy
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The East End Education Enrichment Coalition (4EC) is sponsoring a four-part series of science workshops for students grades 7 and up on four Friday evenings. Please note times and locations for each. The lineup is as follows:

4EC Presents Science Workshops with the Science Wizard:
Sounds from Outer Space
Friday, October 9, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Southold Library, Main Road, Southold
A sonic tour of space featuring actual sound recordings of the cosmos. Maybe there are beings out there…
Students may be registered at their home libraries or at Southold Library by calling 765-2077.

4EC Presents Science Workshops with the Science Wizard:
Hot & Cold
Friday, October 16, 6:00pm -7:30pm
Mattituck-Laurel Library, Main Road, Mattituck
What are the affects of temperature? Why are the properties of water so important to life? Demos include the polarity of water, freezing point depression, dry ice and ice cream lab.
Students may be registered at their home libraries or at Mattituck-Laurel Library by calling 298-4134.

4EC Presents Science Workshops with the Science Wizard:
Making Music with Magnets
Friday, October 30, 6:00pm -7:30pm
Cutchogue Library, Main Road, Cutchogue
Learn about and experiment with electric guitars, recorders, speakers, electromagnets and electronic instruments. Students are encouraged to bring their own instruments.
Students may be registered at their home libraries or at Cutchogue Library by calling 734-6360.

4EC Presents Science Workshops with the Science Wizard:
Foley Main
Friday, November 13, 6:00pm -7:30pm
Floyd Memorial Library, Greenport
Learn about sound effects and background music associated with making movies. Participants will create their own CD.
Students may be registered at their home libraries or at Floyd Memorial Library by calling 477-0660.

Tags: 4EC, events, excursions & activities, learning, libraries, math & science, teens by Nancy
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“You hear a lot about global warming,” said teacher Bob Jester, “but not much about global learning. That’s what this historic moment is about.”

In a ceremony to celebrate the completion of a project they initiated last September, 26 high school science students traveled with their teacher, Mr. Jester, to witness a moment in solar-powered boating history on Preston’s Dock in Greenport. Sophomore Meghan Davis pushed up a lever that ceremoniously connected the solar panel on the roof of Preston’s to a solar-powered battery-driven boat, The Glory, a tour boat of the future.

No damage or injuries were reported.

In fact, The Glory is now being powered by the solar panel on Preston’s. Tourists will be able to get a quiet, carbon-free tour of the Greenport harbor area.

As part of the project, a new “Glory Solar Satellite Learning Center” was established at the East End Maritime Institute, making educational inspiration and information available to hundreds of school children on the East End and around the world.

How It Happened

In 2008, students in Mr. Jester’s science and research class at Riverhead High School were challenged by Mr. Jester to determine how alternative energy sources might be used on the East End of Long Island. Their research included field trips to Stony Brook University, Brookhaven National Lab, and the GO SOLAR shed in Aquebogue. They also took a field trip to the Greenport Marina where they interviewed Captain David Berson, The Glory’s owner. After speaking with Captain Berson, the research class designed a solar panel docking station for the marina to supply the energy for and to encourage the use of battery-powered boats like The Glory.

They researched the cost, the location and the angles of the solar panel that could be used to generate power and where the money could be found to complete the project (i.e., grants, local funding, etc.). According to their research, the project would not only help eliminate greenhouse gases, but it would also decrease water pollution, and provide “reverse metering” by putting energy into the power grid rather than drawing it down.

“These students were phenomenal,” said Mr. Jester. “They were very excited about this project. We took our findings and presented them to the Greenport Village Board. Part of our plan was to increase awareness about the possibility of using alternative energy sources in an effort to affect a change in the atmosphere.”

The students determined that the project would cost approximately $10,000. They contributed the funds they raised in a paper recycling project and from a science competition. Josh Horton of East End Maritime Institute; benefactor Jim Moore of Riverhead, a former student of Mr. Jester’s; and Jamie Minnick of E2 Systems took their money and made the dream a reality.

On July 30th of 2009, the project came to fruition with the installation of solar panels on the roof of Preston’s.

It was a win-win for all.

“Everybody wins,” Mr. Jester said. “I overheard one of my students say to another, “Isn’t this the way you always dreamed school could be?”

RHS Science Research Class of 2009 on the Greenport
dock adjacent to the solar-powered tour boat and
learning center, The Glory.

RHS Science Teacher Bob Jester with former student,
Jim Moore, who helped finance the project, and
Albert Harsch from E2 Systems. E2 installed the solar panel.

Captain Dave Berson is at the podium. Front L-R:
RHS sophomores Sean Harkin and Meghan Davis; Josh Horton
Back: RHS science teacher Bob Jester and Legislator Ed Romaine.

Tags: Riverhead, community bulletin, environment, greenport, learning, math & science, schools, seas, teens by Nancy
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Is your child entering Kindergarten?  Are you concerned about their handwriting?  Lyrical Children Preschool is still registering for “Handwriting without Tears” Camp.

The award winning curriculum uses singing, music and manipulatives to help children learn and build confidence.  It is designed to develop and improve fine motor skills, posture and grip.  It will help to prevent and correct reversals of letters and numbers, improve letter formation, and enhance listening and group collaboration.

Camp runs from July 20th to 31st – Monday thru Friday – 1:00 to 2:30pm at Lyrical Children’s Preschool on Route 25 in Calverton.

For more info call 208-4003 or visit www.LyricalChildren.com.

Tags: Uncategorized, learning, summer camp, toddler & preschool by Nancy
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The Long Island Science Center, the North Fork Community Theater, and the East End Arts Council, all three of which offer excellent programming or local families, have announced upcoming fundraiser parties:

Long Island Science Center Wine and Chese Benefit
Saturday, June 6, 7:30pm
Martha Clara Vineyards, 6025 Sound Avenue, Riverhead
“The Long Island Science Center is hosting a Wine and Cheese Benefit on Saturday, June 6th at 7:30 PM at Martha Clara Vineyards. There will be winetasting, live music from the Long Island Feel, a gourmet cheese buffet, Starbucks coffee bar, desserts, a gift basket auction and unlimited wine and soda. All proceeds go directly to the Long Island Science Center to fund educational programs and exhibits. Tickets are limited and sold on a first come first serve basis. It’s going to be a great time for a great cause. So be sure to purchase your tickets today before you miss out on all the fun!”
Tickets $50 per person; purchase at Long Island Science Center, 11 West Main Street, Riverhead, or call 208-8000.
For additional info call Kristin Solomon at 208-8000, email ks@lisciencecenter.org or visit www.lisciencecenter.org.

North Fork Community Theatre (NFCT) First Annual “Building on Tradition” Campaign Gala
Friday, June 12, 7:00pm
Martha Clara Vineyards, Sound Avenue, Riverhead
“The Gala will feature the food, entertainment and spirit of the North Fork including live Broadway Musical  performances by members of the NFC. Raffles too!”
Tickets $75; purchase online at www.nfct.com or by mailing a check to NFCT, Box 86, Mattituck NY 11952. For more information, contact Sherry Beodeker at 631-682-4829.

East End Arts Council Summer Fundraiser Casino Night: Bet on the Arts!
Saturday, June 20, 8:00pm – 11:00pm
Martha Clara Vineyards, 6025 Sound Avenue, Riverhead
Music by George Tebbitt
Play For Prizes!
Lucky Door Silent Auction: original works painted on doors by local artists Ruth Nasca, Richard Mizdal, Alan Bull, Maggie Kritsberg, Laura Benjamin, Bryan Gutman, Laura Stroh, Bryan Landsberg, Jennifer Ribbe, and Halle Monroe.
Raffle for trips to Las Vegas and Foxwoods!
$75/person includes $100 in gambling chips
For more info visit www.eastendarts.org

***

These events have also been added to the NorthForkParents Calendar of Events.

Tags: East End Arts Council, Long Island Science Center, art & culture, community bulletin, events, health, learning, math & science, parenting, seasons & weather by Nancy
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The North Fork Community Theatre (NFCT) has announced auditions for an upcoming production of Sound of Music as well as an acting workshop for adults:

The Sound of Music  Auditions

Auditions for the NFCT’s production of Sound of Music will be held on Tuesday, March 3rd and Wednesday, March 4th at 6:00pm (children) and 7:30pm (adults). Auditions also by appointment. Roles for men and women,  and girls age 16, 13, 9, 7, 5 and boys age 17, 14, 10.  Be prepared to sing a song and read from the script. An accompanist will be provided. For more information, please contact Director Dave Markel at 631-765-8133.

Workshop: The Actor’s Craft

NFCT will offer an eight-week workshop for adults on Saturday afternoons, starting March 14th through May 2nd, from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.  The intensive introductory program, led by Michael Manuelian (who, among many other credits, recently directed Proof at the NFCT), will focus on four basic areas of the actor’s training:  scene study, technique, singing interpretation, and vocal production/body work. The NFCT will offer the workshop for a nominal fee, sufficient to cover only out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the class (e.g., electricity, heat, accompanist, etc.).  Michael has graciously agreed to volunteer his services.  Currently, the NFCT estimates the actual costs to be $65 for each member of the workshop.

Michael’s goal is to allow each member an opportunity to work each week.  To that end, the workshop will be limited to 8-10 members who are willing to commit to attend all eight sessions.  Please note that this workshop will require outside preparation. If you are interested in joining the workshop and have a genuine appetite to learn in the company of fellow enthusiasts, please contact Michael directly at nfactorsworkshop@aol.com or at 323-1385.  All levels of experience will be welcome.

Tags: North Fork Community Theater, art & culture, excursions & activities, learning by Nancy
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In this first 2009 installment of What’s Up At Custer, our Custer connection, David van Popering, tells us about the childsplay, the innovation, the wartime uses, and the revolutionary ideas of the telescope just 400 years ago.

And find out what special events and programs are coming up at Custer Observatory.

What’s Up At Custer offers us North Fork parents a star-studded journey through the night skies in a way that we can understand and possibly explain to curious smallish persons.

Go to the Math & Science page.

Tags: Custer Observatory, Southold, events, excursions & activities, historical/heritage, learning, math & science by Nancy
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