APEC to Host Square Dance, Children's Photography Class in November

Douglaston residents will get the opportunity to practice their promenades and do-si-dos this weekend at ’s eighth annual square dance.

The event, which will be held on Saturday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., will be hosted by square dance caller Jim Emory, who will teach attendees the basic steps.

Irene Scheid, president of the environmental center, said the dance often draws large crowds of northeast Queens residents, but also denizens of Long Island and New Jersey.

“[Jim] teaches a step and then builds on it by going on to the next dance,” Scheid said of the dance’s instruction portion. “So, people should be there early.”

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Pre-registration is suggested, but door tickets will be available.

Alley Pond members will pay $12, while the fee for non-members is $15. Children, ages 7 to 12, will pay $8.

Scheid said both experienced dancers and beginners are welcome.

The center will also host its annual “Batty for Bats” program on Saturday. The program, which will run from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., includes crafts, a snack and a nature walk.

The event, which is limited to 12 participants between the ages of 3 and 6, is also meant to dispel common bat myths.

The fee for members is $12, while non-members will pay $18.

On Nov. 19, the center will host “Let’s Talk Turkey,” which includes quill writing, feather zipping, songs, a nature walk, snacks and a discussion on birds.

The event, which will run from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., is limited to 12 participants, ages 3 to 6.

Members will pay $12, while the fee for non-members is $18.

The center is offering a children’s nature photography program on Nov. 19 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The two-session class will include taking photographs during on nature walks through Alley Pond, creating frames and film developing.

Pre-registration is required for the class, which will cost $54 for members and $66 for non-members.

Alley Pond’s “Nature’s Snoozers” will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 3.

During the class, children will discuss where animals hibernate and how they prepare for the winter. The program includes live animals, a hike, crafts and a snack. Fees are $12 for members and $18 for non-members.

On Dec. 8, the environmental center will celebrate its annual gala at Flushing’s Terrace on the Park. For more information, visit the center’s website and keep an eye out for Patch’s upcoming preview of the gala.