Around Long Island 5/17/23 edition is published by Anton Media Group.

The sharks at the Long Island Aquarium.

(Photo by Jennifer Corr)

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Taking The Plunge At The Long Island Aquarium

LAUREN FELDMAN

10 feet long, 350 pounds, with hundreds of teeth...and there it was, mere inches from me.

Recently, I had the pleasure to dive with the Long Island Aquarium as a part of one of their immersive experiences. This adventure featured myself (a diving novice), Jim (my cheerful, knowledgeable instructor), a metal cage, and—of course—some sharks.

The Long Island Aquarium has been a Riverhead staple since 2000, becoming the first large-scale Aquarium to open in New York State in more than 35 years. Today, millions of people have visited the Long Island Aquarium, making it one of Long Island’s most popular year-round attractions. The aquarium is home to more than one million gallons of water, which means...lots and lots of fish. Their biggest indoor tank, at more than 120 thousand gallons, hosts the biggest of these fish; the sharks. Dubbed, the “Lost City of Atlantis Shark Exhibit”, this tank hosts a variety of shark breeds, including sand tiger sharks and nurse sharks, as well as other saltwater creatures. It was in this tank that I would take the plunge and come face-to-face with its inhabitants.

A question I am sure you have—as I did myself before the dive—is it scary? You might think to yourself, “No way am I getting in a tank with sharks.” And while that fear is certainly understandable, I can now say for sure that it is unfounded.

Prior to the dive, Jim briefed me on everything from general safety to putting on my wetsuit. The aquarium does not require shark-curious folks to be diving certified, which is not standard policy across aquatic centers. This means that more of us have the chance to get in the cage and come face-to-face with these amazing creatures. The aquarium provided everything necessary for the dive, including a wetsuit, scuba gear, and an underwater mask that allows normal breathing and underwater communications. I totally felt a part of the team and understood everything about the dive process.

Once I was suited up, Jim and I experienced the process of gradually warming me up to the dive—literally. The water is a “toasty” 65 degrees. Thankfully, the wetsuit kept me warm, as we slowly submerged into

provided with weights around my waist, which both helped me keep my balance and from floating around too much.

After I submerged, I confess my fears abandoned me, replaced by what I can only describe as child-like wonder. The tank features an array of sharks and fish that cannot be found together anywhere on Earth. Far from the fear I thought I’d feel, I was purely captured by such an amazing 360-degree view; one which so few people get to experience.

As I looked around the cage, the sharks swam gently by, coming close but never jostling the cage. They are curious and calm species, and I am sure I was far more fascinated by them than they were by me. During my 20-minute dive, aquarium member Jean led an educational program about sharks and a tour of their habitat. I was able to wave at aquarium visitors, and members of my family who came to watch. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the sand tiger sharks and I were exactly the same age, as well as many other facts about marine life I did not know. It was certainly the most unusual classroom I had ever been in. I could hardly believe it when my 20 minutes were up. Time seemed to stand still inside that cage, I was lost in my fascination, something which has not happened since I was small. The shark dive seems like an adrenaline-hunt, something to do because it is scary. I can assure you, it is so much more than that. This dive was the closest I have come to being a marine explorer. Not only did I feel safe, I felt adventurous, eager to follow the sharks to and fro as they circled the tank. It was delightful to watch schools of fish flutter this way and that. If you have ever had an inkling to step outside of your comfort zone and into the majestic unknown, the Long Island Aquarium’s Shark Dive is a great place to start.

More information about this immersive experience is available at www.longislandaquarium.com as well as the additional exhibits offered, including the popular penguin and sea-lion experiences.

Long Island Aquarium’s shark dive lets you get up-close and personal with these marvelous animals. (Photo credit: Amanda Olsen)

Instructor Jim briefs me on cage safety and how to properly secure my wet suit weights. (Photo credit: Amanda Olsen)

The cage is slowly lowered into the water so divers have time to acclimate to the temperature shift. (Photo credit: Amanda Olsen)

A chance to get up-close with fascinating creatures. (Photo courtesy: Darlene Puntillo)

Bethpage Federal Credit Union, New York State’s largest credit union, and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, announce the final performer line-up for the much-anticipated Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach, taking place on Saturday, May 27, and Sunday, May 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds return to Long Island for their ninth headliner performance. Military performers joining the Thunderbirds include the United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, the United States Marines F-35B Demonstration Team, the United States Navy F-18 Growler Legacy Team and the United States Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod.

Civilian performers include the world-famous Skytypers and their flight squadron of five vintage WWII aircraft; Mike Goulian, North America’s most decorated aerobatic pilot; Folds of Honor Biplane with Ed Hamill; the American Air Power Museum Warbirds; Long Island’s own David Windmiller; Warbird Thunder Airshows; the Civil Air Patrol; and the Farmingdale State College Flying Rams, who will fly several of their 22 college-owned aircraft.

“We have a full lineup of exciting performers this year, and of course we are very happy to welcome the Thunderbirds back to Long Island,” said George Gorman, regional director of New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation—Long

The Bethpage Air Show Returns

Island Region. “During their last visit in 2021, our weekend performances were rained out, but the Thunderbirds remained for our unprecedented Memorial Day show. We will be forever grateful to them for this decision.”

“We are weeks away to Long Island’s unofficial summer kick-off event and we couldn’t be more excited!” said Linda Armyn, chief strategy & marketing officer of Bethpage Federal Credit Union. “Thank you again to all of our sponsors who help make this beloved event possible.”

the 2023 show is the Bethpage Air Show Mobile App. Text ‘Airshow’ to 516-842-4400 to download the app for performer and sponsor information, a site map, helpful FAQs to help prepare you for the show, and more to come. Available now on the App Store and Google Play.

one of the largest, most respected and most popular air shows in the country. More than 366,000 people attended the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach the last time the squadron headlined a full weekend show in 2019.

The Bethpage Air Show is free to the public, but the standard $10 vehicle use fee will be collected each day upon entry to the State Park. For 2023 NYS Empire Pass Card holders, there is no vehicle use fee charge.

Available for $80, the 2023 Season Empire

The Dee Dee Brix Team

effective until Dec. 31, 2023 to enjoy the forests, the seashores and the lakefronts of New York State’s parks through all of New York’s beautiful seasons.

For up-to-date information about this year’s show, visit www.bethpageairshow.com or www.facebook.com/BethpageAirShow or contact the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Regional Office, Recreation Department at 631-321-3510.

—Bethpage Air Show

2023 Thunderbirds

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Things To Do Around Long Island

MAY 17

“Art and Art History” Senior Thesis Exhibition is exhibition showcases the work of 2023 BFA Seniors in the Art and Art History department through July 31 in the Adele and Herbert J. Klapper Art Gallery at the Ruth S. Harley University Center on the Adelphi University campus. Visit www.aupac.adelphi.edu for details. e Center is at 1 South Ave., Garden City.

“When We All Stand” Exhibition

The exhibition, “When We All Stand” at Hofstra University through July 28, focuses on the collective power of the arts to address complex issues in society and demonstrates the ability of art and artists to chart a path for social change. Artists often lead the charge and expose truths that may otherwise be ignored. e artists in this exhibition take a stand and call out injustices through their art and activism on issues such as immigration, gender, reproductive rights, mass incarceration, voting rights, racial bias, gun violence, and promises unful lled. ey take action by creating national campaigns for justice, organizing public art protests, connecting with their local community, or joining forces with national organizations. Some make demands on government, politicians, policies, or institutions while others make demands on society and individuals to join them in the ght for justice; still others focus on cultural development as a process that cultivates democracy and unity. ey all combine the making of art with public service that has a grassroots approach in the hope of mobilizing their communities and the nation to ignite movement, create awareness, and inspire others to stand with them. Artists included in the exhibition are Emma Amos, Molly Crabapple and the Equal Justice Initiative, For Freedoms, Miguel Luciano, Michele Pred, Hank Willis omas, and Sophia Victor. e Emily Lowe Gallery at Hofstra University is located on the south campus. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www.hofstra.edu for details.

“Eye & Mind: The Shin Collection”

It is astounding to think that a private collection of masterworks as wide-ranging and important as these could be assembled by a 32-year-old connoisseur, but Hong Gyu Shin is an internationally recognized gure in the global art world. He shares his treasures with us, including works by Whistler, Lautrec, Boucher, Daumier, Delacroix, Balthus, de

Kooning, Matta, Pollock, Gorky and many other important names from art history provocatively juxtaposed with the painting and sculpture of our own time from both Asia and the West. On view now through July 9 at Nassau County Museum of Art, located at 1 Museum Drive in Roslyn Harbor. Visit www.nassaumuseum. org or call 516-609-9696 for details.

MAY 24

Fleet Week New York

Fleet Week New York (FWNY) will again return to New York City this year from May 24 through May 30 with three U.S. Navy ships, two U.S. Coast guard vessels and, four U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) Yard Patrol boats (YPs). ree ships from NATO allies will join the week-long celebration. Ships from Canada, Italy and United Kingdom will join the Parade of Ships on Wednesday May 24. Ship tours will be conducted throughout the week in Manhattan and Staten Island from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ship tours will be closed on Sunday, May 28, on Pier 88 in Manhattan due to cruise ship movement. Ship tours on Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, Pier 86, will be conducted daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. USNA YPs are scheduled to depart Saturday, May 27. Visit www. eetweeknewyork.com for details including ship and pier locations.

JUNE 4

Hempstead Lake Bird Walk

Join South Shore Audubon Society (SSAS) on Sunday, June 4, at 9 a.m. for a guided bird walk. Bird walks led by a member of SSAS are conducted nearly most Sunday mornings at various locations around the south shore of Long Island. Walks are open to the public and are free of charge. We especially encourage youngsters to attend. Register by texting that you would like to join the bird walk to Joe at 516-467-9498. Include your name and a contact number to text should there be a need to cancel. Visit www.ssaudubon.org for more details, future bird walks and other events.

JUNE 10

Belmont Stakes

e 155th running of the Belmont Stakes is on Saturday, June 10, at Belmont Park located at 2150 Hempstead Tpke. in Elmont. Festival day entertainment this year includes performances by Diplo, Street Beat Brass and Black Tie Brass. e park is also celebrating the 50th anniversary of Secretariat. Visit www. belmontstakes.com for details.

African American Museum

110 N Franklin St., Hempstead. Visit www. theaamuseum.org or call 516-572-0730.

American Airpower Museum

230 New Hwy, Farmingdale. Visit www. americanairpowermuseum.com or call 631-293-6398.

The Center for Science

Teaching & Learning

1450 Tanglewood Rd., Rockville Centre.

Other points of interest and venues with seasonal events, access and activites:

Visit www.cstl.org or call 516-764-0045.

Clark Botanic Garden

193 I.U. Willets Rd. in Albertson. Visit www.clarkbotanic.org or call 516-484-2208.

The Cradle of Aviation Museum

Charles Lindbergh Blvd. in Garden City. Visit www.cradleofaviation.org for details.

Hicks Nurseries

100 Jericho Tpke. in Westbury. Visit www. hicksnurseries.com or call 516-334-0066.

The Long Island Children’s Museum

11 Davis Ave., Garden City. Visit www.licm. org or call 516-224-5800.

Museum of American Armor

1303 Round Swamp Rd. in Old Bethpage. Visit www.museumofamericanarmor.com or call 516-454-8265.

Old Bethpage Village Restoration

1303 Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage. Call 516-572-8400 or visit www.obvrnassau.com.

Old Westbury Gardens

71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. Call 516-333-0048 or visit www.oldwestburygardens.org.

Planting Fields Arboretum

1395 Planting Fields Rd., Oyster Bay. Call 516-922-9200 or visit www.planting elds.org.

Queens County Farm

73-50 Little Neck Pkwy. in Floral Park. Visit www.queensfarm.org or call 718-347-3276.

Rock Hall Museum

199 Broadway in Lawrence. Visit www. friendsofrockhall.org or call 516-239-1157.

Sands Point Preserve

127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point. Call

516-571-7901, visit www.thesandspointpreserve.com.

The Walt Whitman Birthplace

State Historic Site

246 Old Walt Whitman Rd., Huntington Station, Visit www.waltwhitman.org.

The Whaling Museum & Education Center

301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor. Call 631367-3418 or visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org. Also check out event calendars for a wide variety of events like sports, family fun, car shows, craft fairs, arts, fireworks and other seasonal entertainment:

Town of Hempstead—www.hempsteadny.gov

Town of Oyster Bay—www.oysterbaytown.com

Town of North Hempstead—www.northhempsteadny.gov

Nassau County—www.nassaucountyny.gov

—Compiled by Christy Hinko

hong-gyu-shin-@theartshin NCMA

Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard to present Fleet Week New York through Memorial Day. Fleet Week New York

Feeding a chickadee South Shore Audubon Society

Belmont Stakes, 1977 NYRA