Having fun learning about the harbor

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The Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor’s Junior Ambassadors will kick off their first event of the year with a trivia night aimed at engaging families and raising awareness about environmental issues affecting the harbor. The event is set to take place on Friday, Jan. 24, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at St. Luke’s Parish Hall.
The trivia night will feature a mix of general knowledge questions and harbor-specific fun facts, designed to entertain and educate participants. The event is open to the public, with tickets priced at $10 per person.
“This event is designed so that we can learn about the harbor but also have a lot of fun,” said Stella Cashman, president of the Junior Ambassadors. “It’s going to be a fun event for families, but you can also make a team with your friends. The competitive aspect also makes it a little more fun, in my opinion.”
The Junior Ambassadors, a program of the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor, was created to engage young people in the community and inspire them to take an active role in protecting the local environment. The group organizes events such as beach cleanups and educational programs, often partnering with other community members to maximize their impact.
The trivia night idea originated from the coalition’s events team, who saw it as an opportunity to provide a family-friendly activity during the winter while promoting the harbor’s importance. The Junior Ambassadors contributed by helping to plan the event, spreading the word, and preparing to assist with setup and logistics on the night of the event.

For local families like the Altmans, the event represents an opportunity to bond while supporting a meaningful cause.
“We really like the coalition’s social events, especially when they’re family oriented,” said Lauren Altman, who learned about the event through the coalition’s email list and a flyer shared by a friend. “So this was right up our alley, and you can get pizza too, and we all like pizza.”
Her children, Madden and Jamie, are particularly looking forward to the competitive aspect of the trivia.
“It’s definitely a worthwhile cause,” Madden said, “and you can get connected with the community and what’s going on in the area.”
The trivia night also underscores the Junior Ambassadors’ mission to make environmental education accessible and enjoyable for all ages. The program is open to children and teens from ages 5 to 17 and includes activities like oyster gardening, tabling at community events, and leading cleanups during the International Coastal Cleanup.
“We’re excited to have fun as a family,” Laura’s husband Chad said. “It’s great to get to engage in some trivia while also supporting such a valuable, important cause for the environment.”
The funds raised from ticket sales will primarily cover event costs, with any additional proceeds supporting the coalition’s ongoing programs, including those run by the Junior Ambassadors.
Pizza and refreshments will be served during the event, and families are encouraged to sign up in advance through the QR code on the event flyer. Same-day tickets may be available, but preregistration is recommended to ensure sufficient seating and food.
For more information about the Junior Ambassadors or to register for trivia night, visit the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor’s website at CoalitionToSaveHempsteadHarbor.org, and navigate to the Junior Ambassadors section under “Ways You Can Help.”