SAF-T-SWIM in Coram

Kudos to SAF-T-SWIM in Coram.

I went for my daughter's first private lesson today and I was incredibly impressed with the skill, compassion, and professionalism of the staff.

We signed up because I think swimming is both wonderful exercise and great fun. The sooner kids learn to swim, the more comfortable they are in the water.

Originally, I signed up for "Mommy and Me" class, but after discovering that all the babies were under 7 months' (the class is for up to three years' old, but usually enrolls mostly babies under 12 months'), I asked if I could switch to individual lessons for my 21 month old child. They handled this request for me, although they certainly had no obligation to do so.

I was a bit apprehensive because my daughter is very attached and is one of those children who sometimes holds her breath until passing out when upset.

After handing her to the instructor, I left the pool area and went behind the tinted glass. She did, as expected, scream. However, the instructor held her safely and with remarkable cheer and patience eventually managed to distract her. From what I have observed, all the instructors are similarly calm and upbeat with their pint-sized swimmers.

With our next child, I plan on getting him in the water earlier and, since it will be fall when he's old enough to make the plunge, we'll start with the Mommy and Me Class at SAF-T-SWIM.

SAF-T-Swim has locations in Bohemia, Commack, Coram, Deer Park, East Meadow, Riverhead, and Smithtown.

Greater Port Jefferson Arts Festival Small, But Has Potential

Today we went to the 2008 Juried Arts Festival held by the Greater Port Jefferson & Northern Brookhaven Arts Council.

It was tiny--just about a block. There were a number of fine artists, all of whom were very open to conversation and some of whom had interesting pieces, but no one with whom I absolutely fell in love. There was also one jewelry artist I think is wonderful.

Port Jefferson used to hold this as an annual event and then it disappeared for years. So, despite a small start, the festival has huge potential to grow (assuming everyone can find a place to park).

Overall, the best show I've seen this spring in the Mid-Suffolk North Shore area, in terms of quality of crafts and the number of booths, has been the one at Deepwells Farms from Preferred Promotions. They have it again this July so I will be there.