The St. Edmund Elementary School Robotics Team, known as The Nerd Herd, recently participated in the FIRST Lego League’s Hydro Dynamics Challenge.
Under the direction of teacher Michael Zwosta, the group from the Sheepshead Bay school had to think like scientists and engineers to research a problem within the human water cycle and design a solution using a robot that could improve the way people find, transport, use or dispose of water. This challenge was the culmination of the team’s work for the first half of the academic year.
Now, the team has set its sights on perfecting the abilities of its robot, and preparing for the next FIRST Lego League challenge: Inter-Orbital Space Exploration.
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Looking for a family-friendly way to celebrate Super Bowl LII? Members of the Youth Council at St. Columba Church, Marine Park, are planning a big-game bash for the whole family. Root for your favorite team while enjoying a full buffet, snacks, soda and beer (age 21 and up only). A video game bus has been reserved for youth, and there will be raffles and prizes.
The cost is $40 for adults, $10 for youth, age 20 and under. Reservations are required. Call the rectory at 718-338-6265 for more information.
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Join author James Monti for “I Am With You Always”: Eucharistic Adoration Seminar at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Yonkers, on Friday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m.
Monti will lead a discussion of the ways in which eucharistic adoration arises from the Mass and ultimately leads the worshiper back to the eucharistic celebration. The historical, pastoral and theological dimensions of these observances will be addressed, and answers will be given to practical questions that can arise at the parish level. The cost is $10. Register at nyliturgy.org/workshops, or call 914-968-6200.
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St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy, Astoria, is starting the new year with a focus on helping others. The Student Council is launching a schoolwide Water for Kids Fundraiser to benefit Water.org. The campaign will run Jan. 16-26 and the school hopes to raise funds through various events, including a dress down day, book sale, movie night and bowling party for students. To make a donation, contact Nancy Annunziata, Student Council coordinator, at 718-726-9405.
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Camp Fatima for boys and Camp Bernadette for girls are now accepting registrations for the 2018 summer season. Located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, the camps offer two-week overnight sessions for children, ages 6 to 15. Round-trip bus transportation is available from Long Island. For details or to request a brochure, contact Brendan Stackhouse at 603-364-5851 or brendan@bfcamp.com.
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On Sunday, Feb. 4, Regina Opera Company will begin its 2018 Sunday Concert Series with a “Salute to Broadway” concert at 3 p.m. Enjoy classic and contemporary Broadway selections as well as Italian songs during the two-hour concert in Our Lady of Perpetual Help auditorium, Sunset Park. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $5 for teens. Children are admitted for free. For tickets, visit reginaopera.org or call 718-259-2772.
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Regina Opera Company is also looking for some child actors – boys or girls, ages 3 to 5, for a fully staged production of the opera “Madama Butterfly.” The role does not require any singing or speaking. Rehearsals begin mid-January and performances will be in late February and early March. For more interested, call Phyllis at 718-238-1422 or e-mail ReginaOpera@yahoo.com.
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This week’s Tip of the Tablet TALK Top Hat goes to the robotics teams of Our Lady of Fatima School, East Elmhurst, who are finalists in the FIRST Song Parody competition. Their parody video, “Follow Your Dream,” made it through the initial round of competition against more than 100 other videos from teams of all grades and ages. Now they’re in the final round – the top 20 – and they need to amass as many votes as possible by Jan. 19 to win. Help these Queens students and their coach Francis Belizario by voting for their video at www.firstinspires.org/first-song-parody/2017-voting. One vote is allowed per video per day.