Photos: New, Now, Next in Northport

What will the next generation of innovators bring our way? How about a "Puck Come-Backinator" for the lone hockey player, a banana peeler for the person with too many bananas and too little time, or a voice activated vending machine for a future when cash is obsolete.

Those are just a few of the lifestyle products churned out by bright young minds in the 12th annual Northport-East Northport Invention Convention presented by the Northport Gifted and Talented Parent's Association on Feb. 29.

Approximately 26 inventions from children in grades K-5 were on display at the large cafeteria with their inventors on hand to show off their creations and compare notes. The children received an honorary certificate for their participation and some participants, such as Kirsten Figlo of who invented the "pocket boot," intend to get their inventions patented by the US Patent Office.