Picks of the Week: July 29-August 4

Summer Streets; photo by The New York City Department of Transportation

Let’s jump right into the latest edition of Picks of the Week. Events include a Harry Potter anniversary party, a bird’s nest making workshop, and more. Happy end of July/beginning of August!

Wednesday, July 31

A Harry Potter Anniversary
The Scholastic Store
12pm
Celebrate the 15th anniversary of one of the greatest series of children’s novels of all time with the Scholastic Store. Harry Potter fans will meet the illustrator of the series’ new trade paperback editions, Kazu Kibuishi, when he unveils the new cover of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows with Arthur Levine, the books’ U.S. editor. Kids can also participate in wizard-themed arts and crafts and a costume contest. The first 50 guests who arrive in costume will win an autographed lithograph of the book cover by Kibuishi! Event is free.

Friday, August 2

Little Makers: Bird Nests
The New York Hall of Science
2 pm-4 pm
Ever wonder how birds make their nests? Curious kids and their parents can learn all about the different techniques that birds employ to build their homes during this Little Makers workshop at the New York Hall of Science in Queens. Then families can create their own bird’s nest out of recycled materials. For those who can’t make it to the Hall on Friday, there will be another identical workshop this Sunday, August 4 from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Participants are strongly encouraged to come dressed in old clothing as workshops can be messy. Workshop price is $8 per family and does not include Hall admission. Preregistration is recommended.

Saturday, August 3

Summer Streets
Park Avenue from Central Park to Brooklyn Bridge
7am-1pm
Beginning this Saturday for three consecutive Saturdays, the streets along Park Avenue from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park will be closed to car traffic for Summer Streets, an annual health initiative where runners, bikers, rollerbladers and walkers can enjoy almost seven miles of NYC streets along with free activities for all. This year’s festivities include a Banana Boat-sponsored Fun in the Sun Zone with sand art crafts and a water sprinkler, free bike and rollerblade rentals, food samples courtesy of Whole Foods Market, health and fitness classes, a rock climbing wall, and much more.

Plover Appreciation Day
Rockaway Beach & Boardwalk
12 pm-3 pm
Plover Appreciation Day may seem a little obscure, but it’s the perfect excuse to get back out to the Rockaways this summer and show some love for local wildlife while you’re at it. At the revitalized Rockaway Beach and boardwalk, learn all about the piping plover, a cool shore bird that’s endangered. Visitors can spend the afternoon playing free games and making themed crafts. Stick around for giveaways–then indulge in some tacos and other favorite bites that have returned after last year’s storm.

Laurissa Jane Music

Laurissa Jane Music Studio is a dedicated institution that offers a solid foundation for students to explore the captivating world of music and arts. With experienced instructors, we offer private and group lessons in piano, voice, and guitar, for all ages and skill levels. We provide year-round training for renowned programs such as NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) and ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music). LJMS runs an annual Summer Musical Theatre Arts Program from July-August which offers a creative environment for young individuals with a passion for acting, singing, and dancing. We are proud to serve the vibrant communities of Jamaica Queens and can also provide classes virtually. At LJMS, we firmly believe in the transformative power of the arts. Call us today!

Chickenshed NYC

Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre company that began in the UK in 1974. Chickenshed NYC is a young organization bringing that same ethos and unique methodology to the USA. Chickenshed&rsquo;s mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change. Chickenshed's model of Inclusive Theatre is based in the belief that everyone can flourish when everyone is included. At Chickenshed everyone is welcome, everyone is valued, and together we produce remarkable theatre. We want to break down barriers between people to create a world without labels and where differences no longer divide. At Chickenshed, support is given to those who need it, and given by those who can . We believe that creative activities, self-expression and performance should be available to anyone who has the desire, no matter their background or circumstances. We know that when everyone has the opportunity to shine, amazing things happen. Chickenshed NYC provides programming for little ones, children and youth through semester-long activities and performances.

Academics West

Academics West is an accredited high-support college preparatory school designed to meet the academic and social-emotional goals of its students. Our unique model allows for each student to benefit from a customized educational experience to ensure they are acquiring the skills necessary to navigate their post-secondary lives whether they attend college or pursue another path to future success. Students can select different tracks to construct the most beneficial program to suit their needs and goals. Unlike conventional education, this innovative model enables students to prepare for an ever-changing world that requires young people to have advanced executive functioning, interpersonal and leadership skills to become independent and resilient adults. &nbsp;