APEC Unveils Slate of July Programs

Alley Pond Environmental Center will offer a variety of programs for children in July that cover everything from astronomy and cooking to animal training.

The Douglaston center, located at 228-06 Northern Blvd., will host a knitting circle from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on July 1, 15 and 29. The program is not a class, but is meant for those who already know how to knit.

APEC’s animal care trainee class will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on July 13 and 21. The program is $21 per child, who should be between the ages of 8 and 12 years. Attendees will get a hands-on experience in feeding, brushing, cleaning and learning about the center’s animals.

The center will host Storytime Safari: Fish Fun from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on July 13. The class, which will cost $18 per child, includes a snack, meeting animals, stories, crafts and a trail walk.

APEC Adventure Hour: Fish, which is meant for toddlers between the ages of 18 and 36 months, will run from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. on July 14. This course, which is $16 per child, includes fish-related activities, such as live animals, art projects, outdoor play, music and trail walks.

Young Chefs will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon on July 20. During this class, which is meant for children between the ages of 8 and 12 years, attendees will learn to make a Strawberry Banana Bonanza smoothie. The program is $24 per child.

Fun in the Sand, which is for children between the ages of 3 and 4 years, will include creating pictures using colored sand. The class, which will run from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on July 20, is $18 per child. Another course for ages 5 to 7 years will be held on July 27.

On July 20, astronomer Mark Freilich will lead a course on the features of the moon, Milky Way, Red Giant Antares in the constellation Scorpio, double star Albeiro, summer triangle and several stars. The program, which runs from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., includes an indoor lecture followed by a viewing with a professional telescope. The course is $16 per adult and $7 per child.

Young Discoverers Club: Radical Rainforest will run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on July 27. The class, which is meant for children between the ages of 8 and 12 years, costs $24 per child. The event will be rainforest-themed and includes experiments and a snack.

APEC will host Scientifically Speaking: Fruit and Flower Dissection on July 27 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. This course, which is $24 per person and aimed at children between the ages of 9 and 12 years, includes an introduction to biology and botany, the use of microscopes to view pollen grains and flower petals, crafts and an experiment.

The environmental center’s annual Penny Social fundraiser will take place on July 28 at 2 p.m. Admission, which is $12, gives attendees a sheet of 25 individual tickets, a chance to win door prizes and refreshments.

Finally, APEC’s hiking club monthly meeting will take place on July 29 at 7 p.m. The event will include discussing plans for upcoming hikes.