Executive Director Highlight | | |
This month marked an exciting milestone for our Marine Program and the entire Long Island seafood community. On March 19, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County proudly joined New York State representatives, seafood industry leaders, and local press at The Snapper Inn in Oakdale for the official unveiling of the Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail — a celebration of local flavors, hard work, and innovative collaboration.
Developed by our CCE Marine Program in partnership with the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Department of Transportation, the Trail is a bold step forward in promoting the local seafood economy. It showcases restaurants and fish markets from Bay Shore to Montauk that are committed to serving fresh, locally-harvested fish and shellfish. These aren’t just dining spots — they are champions of our region’s fishing industry and caretakers of our marine heritage.
This initiative is part of the State’s larger Blue Food Transformation vision and aims to support local businesses, drive tourism, and shine a well-deserved spotlight on the seafood harvested right here in our coastal waters. Through a user-friendly mobile app and digital map, the Trail connects residents and visitors alike to the incredible bounty of Long Island’s waters — and to the people who work tirelessly to bring it to our tables.
I want to recognize our Marine Program team for their leadership in making this vision a reality. Their dedication to lifting up local fishers, oyster growers, markets, and restaurateurs is a powerful reminder of what community-based innovation can achieve.
— Vanessa Pino Lockel
Executive Director
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County
| | Government & Community Engagement Updates | | |
CCE Suffolk Meets with Legislator Jim Mazzarella
Executive Director Vanessa Lockel, Marine Program Associate Director Lorne Brousseau, and Dinah Torres from the Community Education team met with Legislator Jim Mazzarella and his aide, Tim Rothang, from Suffolk County’s 3rd District. The meeting focused on discussing partnerships, programming, and community needs in the district.
The meeting provided an opportunity to showcase the breadth of CCE Suffolk’s work in the district — from youth development programs like summer camps to year-round community education and marine science initiatives. Data on camp participation underscored the strong connection between the organization and families in the 3rd District.
A highlight of the discussion was the introduction of CCE Suffolk’s latest initiative: the Seafood Cuisine Trail. This innovative program will bring visibility to local seafood businesses and promote Suffolk’s unique marine resources. Local establishments like Mastic Seafood Market will be part of this trail, contributing to both community engagement and economic development in the region.
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Our team met with Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi
to discuss the wide-ranging impact of CCE Suffolk’s programs in the 18th Legislative District—and the importance of
continued collaboration between government and community organizations.
Joining the conversation were Clean Energy Coordinator August Ruckdeschel, Associate Director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program Lorne Brousseau, Parent Educator Cara Sultan, and Nutritionist Donna Ingram from CCE Suffolk’s Community Education and Nutrition teams. Each highlighted specific ways their programs are helping to inform, educate, and empower families and residents across Long Island—from sustainable energy solutions and marine conservation to parenting support and nutrition education.
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CCE Suffolk Leads Narcan Training for Senator Alexis Weik’s Office
The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Community Education team was honored to lead a Narcan training session for the staff of Senator Alexis Weik, equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary to respond effectively to an opioid overdose emergency.
Narcan (naloxone) is a life-saving medication capable of rapidly reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. With opioid-related emergencies continuing to impact communities across Long Island and beyond, ensuring that more individuals are trained and prepared to act is more critical than ever.
To schedule a training session for your organization or community group, please contact Cara Sultan, Parent Educator, at caw10@cornell.edu.
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Congratulations!
Donna Ingram, a longtime Nutrition Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, was honored at the Town of Babylon’s 36th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration for her decades of service to the community.
With over 25 years of experience, Donna has delivered hands-on nutrition education across Long Island. We’re proud to celebrate Donna and her well-deserved recognition!
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Celebrate the Growing Season at Mayfest
Gardeners of all levels will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on educational workshops led by horticulture specialists.
Location:
Suffolk County Farm
350 Yaphank Avenue
Yaphank, NY 11980
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Tune In to the Latest Podcasts from the Community Education Program!
Parenting Tips provides current research-based information from Cornell University and other American land grant institutions.
In today's world, parenting is rewarding as well as challenging. This podcast supports parents and other caregivers by translating timely child development research into practical and helpful information to support family health and wellness.
Listen here to the latest episode: Is your child ready for a smartphone?
| | Suffolk County Farm & 4-H | |
4-H’s Public Presentations program helps youth develop skills in research, organization, and public speaking.
Last week, one of these inspiring presentations took place right here at the farm, giving participants a chance to share their ideas and build confidence in a supportive setting.
| | Empowering Local Agriculture Through Energy Efficiency | | |
Last month, our very own Energy team at Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) hosted a highly successful Agriculture Energy Efficiency Workshop, bringing together dozens of farmers, agricultural business owners, and energy contractors from across the region. The event served as a vital space for learning, connection, and action — all centered around how farms can reduce energy costs while embracing more sustainable practices.
Held right here on Long Island, the workshop highlighted practical tools and programs available to support farmers in upgrading their operations through energy-efficient solutions. Attendees heard directly from energy advisors and contractors about how to access incentives and funding, improve energy performance, and implement cost-saving technologies.
The success of this workshop reflects the growing interest among our local agriculture community in both economic and environmental sustainability. We're proud to have created a space where knowledge was shared, partnerships were formed, and real steps toward cleaner energy use in agriculture were taken.
| | Energy Event In Your District | | |
Meet the Long Island Clean Energy Hub!
Did you know there’s a local team working to help you save on energy costs, make your home more comfortable, and support a cleaner environment?
Our team at CCE Suffolk is proud to play a role in this important effort, serving residents, small businesses, and nonprofits across Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Whether you're a homeowner looking to cut utility bills or a small business seeking energy efficiency upgrades, the Clean Energy Hub is here to guide you.
Team members like Augie, who works to make clean energy easy to access and understand, and Julia, who brings a passion for sustainability and outreach, are ready to connect you with the right resources.
| | CCE Suffolk Joins 2025 New York Seafood Summit | | |
On March 28, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Marine Program proudly participated in the 2025 New York Seafood Summit, held at the Riverhead Free Library. Hosted by New York Sea Grant, the event brought together a diverse group of professionals from across the state’s seafood industry — including fishers, seafood retailers, culinary experts, educators, and policy leaders — to foster connection, share knowledge, and build stronger partnerships.
This year’s summit featured timely updates on industry regulations, including the Food Safety Modernization Act’s Traceability Rule (FSMA 204), as well as a robust panel discussion on the feasibility of expanding seafood processing infrastructure on Long Island. These discussions are critical in advancing sustainability, boosting local economies, and ensuring that New York’s abundant seafood resources continue to be harvested and distributed responsibly.
CCE’s Marine team contributed valuable insight into the needs and opportunities facing Long Island’s fisheries and seafood businesses. Their involvement reinforces CCE’s commitment to supporting local fishers through education, outreach, and initiatives that elevate the visibility and value of local seafood.
The summit also offered an opportunity to spotlight new initiatives — including the recently launched Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail, developed by CCE Suffolk in collaboration with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The trail highlights local seafood restaurants and fish markets committed to featuring locally-caught seafood, helping connect consumers directly to the region’s vibrant seafood economy.
We thank New York Sea Grant for organizing this impactful event and for their continued leadership in bringing stakeholders together to support a thriving seafood industry in New York.
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Electronic Vessel Trip Reporting Training and Resources
Preparing Fishermen for the Future of Electronic Reporting: CCE Launches eVTR Outreach Across Long Island.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County (CCE Suffolk) is proud to announce its leadership role in the statewide launch of the Electronic Vessel Trip Report (eVTR) Program, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). This vital project is designed to support New York’s for-hire and commercial fishermen as the state prepares to implement mandatory electronic reporting in 2025.
The eVTR initiative focuses on education, outreach, and hands-on training to help modernize fisheries-dependent data collection while also reducing the reporting burden on fishermen. Through a user-friendly process using the Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program’s (ACCSP) eTRIPS/mobile app, reporting will become more streamlined and efficient.
Join us at one of our upcoming training sessions across Long Island and beyond:
- April 9 – 3–7pm – Guy Lombardo Marina, Freeport
- April 10 – 2–4pm – CCE Suffolk, Riverhead
- April 11 – 12–4pm – NYS DEC Marine Resources, Kings Park
- April 17 – 2–4pm – CCE Suffolk, Riverhead
- April 23 – 12–4pm – Montauk Library, Montauk
- April 24 – 2–4pm – CCE Suffolk, Riverhead
- April 29 – 12:30–4pm – Floyd Memorial Library, Greenport
Contact Tara McClintock, Fisheries Specialist, at taf4@cornell.edu
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Waterfront Survey
Attention businesses operating on and around Suffolk County waters! Please complete this survey to help Suffolk County better support your business through opportunities for growth, long-term planning, and the preservation of heritage industries.
Survey link:Working Waterfront Survey
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Ask the Family Educator
by Maxine Roeper Cohen, M.S.
Question: Should I encourage my child to use handwriting more, rather than always typing on a computer or cell phone?
Handwriting seems to have declined over the years, replaced largely by typing on keyboards and cell phones. Students now tote smart devices to school, starting at the elementary level and continuing through college or post-graduate education. It is interesting to look into whether this change in behavior affects learning or memory.
Researchers found that the act of handwriting stimulates complex brain connections which are essential for both encoding new information and forming memories. For young children, writing by hand aids in brain development. This was shown in functional MRI scans as three groups of five-year-olds either handwrote, typed, or traced letters. Only the group of children who wrote by hand demonstrated brain activity in the part of the brain concerned with learning how to read.
Older students who took handwritten notes in class scored better on tests than those who typed notes. Handwriting activates the brain, creating different and more complex connections. Moving your hand and controlling it to write letters leads to spatial patterns in the brain that promote learning.
Handwriting does not just benefit children and older students. Researchers found that adults who handwrote calendar events on paper rather than speaking to or typing on their smartphones remembered the information better and had faster recall of it. In effect, the act of handwriting, using eye-hand coordination, focusing on making legible letters into words, phrases, and sentences, might benefit all of us.
Parents might want to encourage their children, and themselves, to do more “old-fashioned” handwriting to improve learning and remembering.
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Next Board of Directors Meetings
May 21, 2025 – LI Horticultural Research & Extension Center, 3059 Sound Ave., Riverhead
July 16, 2025 – SC Marine Education & Learning Center, 3690 Cedar Beach Road, Southold
September 17, 2025 – SC Farm & Education Center, 350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank
November 19, 2025 – Annual Meeting, Location TBD
Learn more
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Parent and Nutrition Classes
Parent Talks: Open Conversations for Caregivers
Join us for a series of free, 45-minute Parent Talks designed for parents and caregivers of children ages 0–12. These sessions provide a welcoming space to share experiences, ask questions, and engage in open conversations about the joys and challenges of raising children.
Whether you're navigating toddler tantrums, school transitions, or building stronger family routines, these discussions offer support and connection.
Upcoming Dates and Times:
- Tuesday, April 15, 2025 | 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM
- Wednesday, April 16, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
- Monday, April 21, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
- Monday, April 21, 2025 | 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM
- Wednesday, April 30, 2025 | 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
- Wednesday, April 30, 2025 | 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM
Fee: Free
Registration: Advanced registration is required to participate.
We look forward to seeing you there and supporting you on your parenting journey.
Learn more
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"Her Story" – A Powerful Evening of Empowerment & Awareness
On April 16th, 2025, two of our CCE Suffolk Community Educators will be proudly representing our team at "Her Story: Raising Maternal Health Awareness and Empowering Women of Color," hosted by the Suffolk County Office of Multicultural Affairs and Community Engagement.
Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Suffolk County Office of Multicultural Affairs
This important event will spotlight maternal health issues and uplift the voices and experiences of women of color. Through open dialogue and shared stories, the evening aims to educate, empower, and inspire community-led change.
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Food as Medicine
Monday, April 7, 2025, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Monday, April 14, 2025, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Get a Taste for Nutrition with our FREE VIRTUAL Diabetes Nutrition Workshops with a CCE Suffolk Diabetes Nutrition Educator!
Topics include Portion Control, Supermarket Tactics & Label Reading, and more.
Sesiones disponibles en español
Learn more
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Diabetes Support Group
Monday, May 12, 2025, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Monday, July 14, 2025, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Monday, September 8, 2025, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Monday, November 10, 2025, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Free virtual diabetes support, lead by a CCE Suffolk Diabetes Educator
Learn more
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Parent Talks
Parent Talks: Open Conversations for Caregivers
Join us for a series of free, 45-minute Parent Talks designed for parents and caregivers of children ages 0–12. These sessions provide a welcoming space to share experiences, ask questions, and engage in open conversations about the joys and challenges of raising children.
Whether you're navigating toddler tantrums, school transitions, or building stronger family routines, these discussions offer support and connection.
Upcoming Dates and Times:
- Tuesday, April 15, 2025 | 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM
- Wednesday, April 16, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
- Monday, April 21, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
- Monday, April 21, 2025 | 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM
- Wednesday, April 30, 2025 | 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
- Wednesday, April 30, 2025 | 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM
Fee: Free
Registration: Advanced registration is required to participate.
We look forward to seeing you there and supporting you on your parenting journey.
Learn more/Register here
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Guiding Good Choices: Parent Education Workshop
Cornell Cooperative Extension invites you to participate in Guiding Good Choices, a free, evidence-based drug use prevention program designed for parents and caregivers of children ages 9 to 14.
Program Schedule
All sessions are held on Mondays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Session 3: Avoiding Conflict
April 7, 2025
Session 4: Avoiding Trouble (youth are invited to attend)
April 14, 2025
Session 5: How to Strengthen Family Bonds
April 21, 2025
For more information, please contact our team. We look forward to supporting you and your family.
Learn more
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Beach & Marsh Cleanup at the Marine Environmental Learning Center
Location: 3690 Cedar Beach Road, Southold, NY 11971
Duration: 2 hours | Refunds: Available up to 7 days before event
Join us for a beach and marshland cleanup while learning about the importance of marsh grasses and how CCE is working to restore these critical habitats.
Removing debris helps improve water quality and supports wildlife including fish, shellfish, birds, and rare species like the saltmarsh sparrow and diamondback terrapin.
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Choose Local FISH and Support Local Fisheries!
Join the CCE Fisheries Team this spring as we highlight the importance of supporting local seafood and sustainable fisheries across Long Island!
Come meet our team, learn how local seafood supports the environment and economy, and enjoy a taste of what Long Island waters have to offer!
Upcoming Events:
- Earth Day Celebration with Slow Food East End
April 19 | 1–4 PM
- Golden Acres Organic Farm
April 26 | 10 AM–4 PM
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Fish Hatchery Spring Festival
April 26th
10am - 4pm
Cold Spring Harbor Fish
Hatchery & Aquarium in
Cold Spring Harbor
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Narcan Training
Friday, April 25, 2025, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Learn to Save Lives!
Narcan, also known as naloxone, is a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. Now more than ever, individuals are encouraged to prepare themselves with the training and confidence they need to respond quickly in an overdose situation.
Training will include:
- How to recognize an opioid overdose
- How to administer Narcan
- How to care for an individual until emergency services arrive
Learn more/Register
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At The Farm
Raising Backyard Chickens
Saturday, April 12
Thinking about starting a backyard flock? Join us for this free and informative seminar
Presentation: 1 hour, followed by 30 minutes of Q&A. Ages 3+mustbe registered
Register here
Cardboard Architecture Workshop
Sunday, April 13
Build your own cardboard barn and silo using recycled materials. Led by Mr. James, this hands-on workshop uses templates, hot glue, and more for a creative and educational experience. For ages 9–14
Register here
Spring Centerpiece Workshop
Saturday, April 19 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Create a fresh spring floral centerpiece using wet floral foam and seasonal blooms. All supplies provided—just bring hand shears/pruners, gloves, and optional ribbon.
Cost: $35 per centerpiece (up to 2 participants per piece)
Ages 10+ with registered adult
Register here
Private Egg Hunts at the Farm
Available weekends: April 5, 6, 12, 13 & 19
Book a private egg hunt for up to 25 guests. Includes 100 toy-filled eggs, a bunny meet-and-greet, an educational talk, and a private wagon ride.
Cost: $350 per group | Add 100 eggs for $60
Time slots: 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM
Book now
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Check Out Our Merch Stores!
Already looking forward to camp season 2025? Check out our online stores, featuring exclusive merchandise from Peconic Dunes, Peconic Dunes Sea Adventures, The Suffolk County Farm Camp, Sea Stars Marine Camp, and CCE Suffolk!
Whether you're looking to show support, outfit your campers for next summer, or maybe just want a piece of camp nostalgia for yourself, there's something for everyone!
Peconic Dunes
Peconic Dunes Sea Adventures
Suffolk County Farm Camp
Sea Explorers
NEW Sea Stars
CCE Suffolk
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Now Hiring: Seasonal Program Assistant (Part-Time) – Riverhead, NY
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County is seeking a Seasonal Program Assistant to support the Entomology Program at the Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center (LIHREC) in Riverhead, NY. This part-time, hands-on role involves assisting with agriculture-related research trials, fieldwork, data collection, and day-to-day greenhouse and farm operations.
Position Dates: June – September 2025 (with potential to extend into the fall)
Schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8 AM – 4:30 PM (24 hours/week) or as needed
💲 Pay: $18.50/hour
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain on-site and off-site research trials
- Perform greenhouse/farm duties (planting, weeding, potting, watering, etc.)
- Assist with insect trap monitoring and data collection
- Photograph and document experiments
- Travel weekly to off-site locations (mileage reimbursed)
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED with at least 6 months of volunteer or work experience
- Comfortable working outdoors and with live insects
- Ability to work independently and lift 20–30 lbs.
- Valid NYS driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Office)
- Interest or experience in agriculture, entomology, horticulture, or environmental science is a plus!
Questions? Contact Nicholas Ng at HR-CCESuffolk@cornell.edu or call (631) 727-7850
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please include a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references with your application.
View All Employment & Volunteer Opportunities Here
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Explore the CCE Suffolk Spanish
Facebook and Instagram Pages!
Discover information about upcoming events and workshops conducted in Spanish, receive valuable health tips and tricks, and more!
Facebook
Instagram
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Have something you'd like included in our monthly newsletter? Send submissions to
Jacob Ocon, Communications Coordinator
jfo47@cornell.edu
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