2023 Annual Meeting and Award Ceremony

Thank you to all who attended the 2023 CCE Suffolk Annual Meeting & Award Ceremony!

In addition to the appointment of the 2024 Board of Directors, as well as updates from some of our amazing staff, the event recognized the invaluable contributions of volunteers and community partners who played a vital role in our endeavors throughout 2023.

This event provides an opportunity for contemplation on CCE Suffolk's unwavering commitment to Long Island communities, recognizing the endeavors undertaken to extend the reach and impact of our services and programs. We celebrate not only past achievements but also anticipate a brighter future. Together, we will persist in fostering innovation, adapting to change, and fostering growth to ensure that CCE Suffolk continues to shine as a symbol of excellence and a steadfast source of community support.

Congratulations to all of our honorees, and here's to an even more impactful 2024! 

City & State

Above & Beyond:

Generation X List

It is an honor to be named to the first ever City & State NY’s Above & Beyond: Gen X list!

This list highlights Gen Xers who are making their mark on New York, showcasing their leadership skills in an ever-changing world.

Check out the full article here

Northeast Latino/a/x Agricultural Community Conference

The Cornell Small Farms Program’s Northeast Latino/a/x Agricultural Community Conference will bring together farmers, farm supervisors, agricultural employees and aspiring farmers to strengthen networks and support opportunities for the Latino/a/x community. This two-day event will be held in Latham, NY and primarily conducted in Spanish.

Conference session topics will include farm finances, access to land, markets and capital, farm management, strategic decision-making, and community building.

Learn more here

Photo courtesy of Cornell Small Farms Program

World AIDS Day

Did you know that the CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care?

In honor of World AIDS Day, December 1, The Edie Windsor Healthcare Center will be holding a Free HIV Rapid Testing Event. Testing will be available from 10am to 2pm, Walk-ins are welcome. Appointments can be made by contacting the Center at 631-287-5990.

Supporting the 2023

CAST Festival of Trees

In support of the Center for Advocacy, Support and Transformation (CAST) 4th annual Festival of Trees event, staff from different program areas came together and submitted a prize for the Winter of Wonder Silent Auction!

Held at Treiber Farms in Peconic, the event offered venues adorned with holiday decorations and sweet treats to enjoy, as well as collected gifts for the CAST Holiday Toy Drive.

Community Education staff Juana Huertas and Maryann Birmingham constructed a lovely wreath, which was auctioned alongside a gift certificate from the Suffolk County Farm for a family of four to attend Baby Animal Day 2024, as well as a $50 gift certificate for merchandise at the Marine Program's Back to the Bays shop!

Explore the CCE Suffolk Spanish

Facebook Page!

Discover information about upcoming events and workshops conducted in Spanish, receive valuable health tips and tricks, and more!

Learn more

Message from Richard Ball, Commissioner of the NYS

Department of Agriculture and Markets

Though unable to attend in-person, Commisioner Richard Ball of the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets sent a very thoughtful video to be played during the 2023 Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony!

Commisioner Ball was the recipient of the President's Award , an honor chosen by the CCE Suffolk Executive Director and Board President to recognize an individual whose professional endeavors are in harmony with and bolster our organization's mission.

A native New Yorker, Mr. Ball has dedicated his entire career to agriculture and has demonstrated remarkable commitment to aiding the farmers in our region. As one of the foremost agricultural production areas in the state, we deeply appreciate his unwavering support and dedication to Long Island's farming community.

Watch the full video message here

Tour of Suffolk County Farms

with EPA Staff

CCE Suffolk educators lead a tour of Suffolk County sites for U.S Environmental Protection Agency staff, discussing topics such as nutrient management, clean water, bioextraction via aquaculture, reduced pesticide use, sustainability, and more. 

The group visited the Suffolk County Marine Environmental Learning Center and the Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center, as well as several local farms: Schmitt’s Family Farm, Sang Lee Farms, Wickham’s Fruit Farm, and Paumanok Vineyards.

Leading the tour was CCE Suffolk Agriculture Program Director Nora Catlin, Marine Program Director Chris Pickerell, CCE Viticulturist Alice Wise, and CCE Vegetable Specialist Sandy Menasha. Joining them along with the EPA staff members was 

Corey Humphrey, District Manager of the Suffolk Soil and Water Conservation District, Rob Carpenter, Administrative Director of the Long Island Farm Bureau, and Matt Kapell, Suffolk County Landbank Executive Director.

Cornell University Patents New Plant Developed at LIHREC

Developed by Dr. Mark Bridgen, Cornell professor in the School of Integrative Plant Sciences working out of LIHREC in Riverhead, Alstroemeria ‘Coral Chaos’ will be the third ornamental alstroemeria plant patented by Cornell University. ‘Mauve Majesty’ and ‘Tangerine Tango’ were the first ornamental plants that Cornell ever patented.

Photo courtesy of Cornell University

Read more

Shop Local!

Many local farm stands are still open and offering amazing produce!

Whether you're looking for fruit, vegetables, dairy, or baked goods, there's sure to be a location that has what you need.

Check out the 2023 Farm Stand List for all of your farm-fresh produce! 

View here

This list has been compiled by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County as a service to Suffolk County residents and farmers. If you would like your farm stand to be included, or if you have any changes or corrections, please contact the Agriculture Program at [email protected].

Congratulations Dan Gilrein

Dan Gilrein, CCE Suffolk Entomology Specialist, is one of 3 winners for this year's IR-4 Service, Outreach, Altruism, and Research (SOAR) Award!

The IR-4 Project was established in 1963 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and land-grant universities to ensure that specialty crop farmers have legal access to safe and effective crop protection products. Dan was awarded this honor for his work to support all sorts of specialty crop producers—from vegetables to ornamentals, with a particular emphasis on environmental horticulture. 

Congratulations, Dan!

Read more

Join the Suffolk County Master Gardeners!

Want to learn about native and pollinator plants, how to prune and propagate, and other good practices for your garden?  

 Join the Master Gardeners of Suffolk County!

Becoming a Master Gardener starts with a comprehensive 16-week training course that encompasses a blend of in-person sessions, online study, field trips and course projects. Key to the Master Gardener program is a commitment to volunteer efforts. Graduates have an obligation to contribute 125 volunteer hours in their community within two years after training.   

If you possess a love for gardening and a commitment to volunteerism, we encourage you to apply! Suffolk school districts have sponsored teachers, and scholarships are available. Those living in and likely to volunteer in under-represented communities may be eligible for a scholarship. 

Applications are open for the next Master Gardener training beginning on February 28, 2024. 

You’ll find the Master Gardener course description here, with the application in the left column of the webpage 

Those with questions can contact Roxanne Zimmer at [email protected] 

Suffolk County Master Gardeners were recently featured in an article from Northforker! Read here.

Those with a Newsday subscription can also check out this article.

Welcome New Members of the Healthy Corner Store Project!

The Community Education Program recently welcomed One Stop Flanders Market (Riverhead), Riverhead Village Market (Riverhead), and Central Food Market (Valley Stream) as the newest editions to the Healthy Corner Store Project!

Joining over a dozen Long Island stores that have embraced this initiative, these locations underwent a physical needs assessment encompassing layout, setup, and items stocked. Owners and staff identified strategies and work plans tailored to each specific store, pinpointing the health and nutrition benefits of small but critical changes within the store environment. Dedicated signage also helps organize and highlight fresh fruits and vegetables. 

We would like to express our profound appreciation to Cohen Children's Medical Center and Northwell Health for supporting this amazing program, as well as the offices of Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Senator Anthony Palumbo, and Legislator Bridget Fleming for presenting certificates of recognition!

Check out the full News 12 Long Island coverage of the Central Food Market Kick-Off Event here

Turkey Tacos with Barry Technical High School

CCE Suffolk Nutrition Educator Italia taught a MyPlate lesson, complete with a hands-on demonstration of a delicious Turkey Taco recipe, with nursing students at Barry Technical High School in Westbury. 

The students had different cooking tasks and enjoyed the tacos family-style while talking about different healthy variations of the recipe!

Mobile Diabetes Screening Clinic at Hauppauge Public Library

On November 17th, the Diabetes and SNAP-Ed teams collaborated with the Hauppauge Public Library for a Mobile Diabetes Screening event in support of National Diabetes Awareness Month! Free onsite A1C testing for diabetes, a variety of diabetes educational resources, and healthy recipe samplings made for an awesome educational venue. 

The Mobile Diabetes Screening Clinic is an innovative approach to have people learn what their blood sugar numbers are and, at the same time, offer resources and invaluable support while learning how to manage their diabetes. Our Executive Director Vanessa Lockel and her husband, Chris, took the chance to stop by and got their A1c checked!

Diabetes remains at epidemic proportions across the US. In our own backyard of Suffolk County, 9% of adults are diagnosed with diabetes and many more are undiagnosed. Diabetes resources and support such as those offered by the Mobile Diabetic Screening Clinic are vital to improving the lives of those impacted by diabetes.

Keeping Your Brain

Healthy as You Age

Kerri Reda, Human Development Specialist, held a very insightful digital workshop entitled "Keeping Your Brain Healthy as You Age"

While the importance of physical health, including proper nutrition and exercise, is often emphasized in discussions about well-being, it's equally crucial to address cognitive health, particularly as we grow older. Cognitive health encompasses our abilities to think, remember, learn, and reason, and it can experience a decline with age.

The Parent Cafe:

Free Parenting Classes

In today's parenting landscape, establishing a supportive community is paramount for families, providing an avenue to express concerns and acquire invaluable insights.

Find your community at the Parent Cafe!



Through this program, families can access free, research-based educational sessions conducted by expert Parent Educators, Nutrition Educators, Lactation Consultants, and more. As an added treat, gifts and light refreshments accompany these informative gatherings!

Childcare is available!

Click the link below to learn more/register!

Parent Cafe - Connetquot Public Library

760 Ocean Avenue, Bohemia

Learn more/Register

Parent Cafe - Half Hallow Hills Library

55 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills

Learn more/Register

Check out some press coverage of this amazing initiative!

Long Island Media Group

Patch

LongIsland.com

Ask the Family Educator

by Maxine Cohen, Parent Educator

This is the season of buying toys for all the children in my extended family. How do I choose a toy suitable for the age of each child?

How generous and considerate of you to want to buy an appropriate toy for each child on your holiday list! It can be overwhelming when browsing online or in a toy store. Fortunately, recommended age labeling is often listed on the toy packaging. This helps you to select something to match a child’s developmental stage and abilities. A well-chosen toy can play an important role in a child’s development by sparking curiosity, creativity, imagination, and learning.

One important consideration is the safety of a toy, especially for babies and toddlers, as choking can occur if small parts of toy are placed in the mouth. Young children learn with all of their senses, and it is natural for a young child to taste toys as well as smell, see, hear, and touch them.

Healthy social and emotional growth is spurred by age-appropriate dolls, action figures, and board games. Positive social interaction between children can occur as children learn to be patient, develop feelings for others, take turns, and regulate their emotions.

Puzzles, blocks, and STEM toys encourage intellectual skill development, problem solving, logical thinking, and eye-hand coordination. Again, follow age guidelines so that the toy or game is not too frustrating for the child. Lego-type building sets are popular and there are sets for each age group. Younger children need larger pieces of building sets and puzzles. Older children can manipulate smaller components as their fine motor skills and dexterity are greater. Be sure to check the complexity of the toy.

Resist the urge to buy electronic toys as research shows that children are much more passive with these types of devices. Children learn by doing, by using all of their senses, and by acting on their environment. Good luck in shopping, and then enjoy playing with the children in your life. Having fun together is the best gift of all!

Educators Receive Honors at Annual NYS Association of CCE

4-H Educators Conference

Congratulations to the CCE Suffolk 4-H staff that were honored at the annual NYS Association of CCE 4-H Educators Conference!

4-H Animal Science Educator Kate Perz received the Special Service Award, presented to educators with 3-5 years of service demonstrating innovation, working with new audiences, and developing new techniques in programming!

4-H Club Educator Nicole Fiorentino, along with colleagues Collin Hedges of CCE Nassau County and Katharine Leo of CCE Orange County, won the Northeast Regional Denise Miller 4-H Innovator Award for their NYS Esports Club! This award recognizes an individual or team that exemplifies innovation, accomplishment, and commitment in the design and delivery of a unique 4-H program. 

Well done team!

Press Recognition for

4-H Award Winners

CCE Suffolk 4-H participants were recognized by local publications for their success at the Long Island and New York State Fairs!

At the NYS Fair, Hannah Stewart was named Grand Master Champion for the overall Meat Goat Showmanship classes. She also secured second place in both Senior Product ID and the Senior Kimber Hamm Goat Rancher Award, which is given to the youth meat goat exhibitor who best demonstrates the diverse qualities of a good meat goat herdsperson, having competed in all meat goat competitions at the fair. Ms. Stewart was also a first place winner in the Senior Meat Goat competition at the Long Island fair.

Read here (page 10).

Kaitlyn Eckles won four first-place awards at the NYS Fair, including High Individual Honors for Junior Goat Bowl, the Junior Kimber Hamm Goat Rancher Award, the Avian Bowl and in Poultry Judging. She was also awarded second-place honors in the Junior Product ID competition, and her chicken’s Colonel Sanders costume earned her the Funniest Duo designation. At the Long Island fair, Ms. Eckles won second place in the Junior Meat Goat competition.

Read here (page 7).

Presenting at the Expanding Opportunities for Early Learners in Pre-K & K Conference

CCE Suffolk educators had the honor of presenting at the Expanding Opportunities for Early Learners in Pre-K & K Conference!

Allison Grief, Early Childhood Education Program Manager and Maia Lewis, Early Childhood Coordinator, held a session at the conference entitled "Taking it All Outside: Developmentally Appropriate Practices Outside.”

Both Allison and Maia are educators at Little Farmer’s Preschool, held on the grounds of the Suffolk County Farm & Education Center. At Little Farmer’s, children become independent learners through free play, guided exploration, and exposure to all corners of the farm. Students will spend most days entirely outside, with learning themes of agriculture, animal sciences, history, STEM, healthy living, and life skills.

Learn more here

Try the Farm's 1 Mile Walk!

Planning to visit the farm soon? Enjoy a refreshing workout amongst the fields and animals!

Check out the one-mile walk route here

Look for helpful signs to lead you on your stroll, provided by the Community Education team!

Shellabration 2023

Wristbands are on sale now for Shellabration 2023!

The culinary event of the season will return to Greenport Village on December 2-3, 2023, from 12:00pm - 4:00pm each day. Participating restaurants will offer those wearing official Shellabration wristbands access to small plate menu items featuring local shellfish, paired with tasting pours of Long Island wine, craft beer and spirits.

Additionally, local shops will be offering special promotions for Shellabration participants, making for a wonderful weekend of eating, drinking and shopping local, all in support of our marine environment!

All proceeds generated from wristband sales will support the Marine Program’s shellfish restoration and community stewardship projects, specifically the SPAT Program (Suffolk Project in Aquaculture Training) and Back to the Bays Initiative.

It is highly recommended that Shellabrants reserve wristbands in advance, as this event sells out every year. Upon checking in, you will be treated to a complimentary first pairing of clams and oysters on the half shell and a local craft beverage tasting!

Purchase wristbands here

Huntington Blueway

Draft Plan Open

for Comments

Comment submission is now open for the Huntington Blueway Draft Plan!

The Town of Huntington, in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County and various stakeholders, has created a blueway plan for non-motorized watercraft in Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island Sound, and the Huntington/Northport Bay Complex. This trail allows paddlers and visitors to visit coastal parks and downtown areas, with online, mobile, and video tour guides featuring access points and points of interest.

Comments will be accepted through December 15th.

Check out the Town Of Huntington Blueway website here

Review documents and submit comments here

Stromwater Superheroes at Candlewood Middle School

The Stormwater Superheroes Program, conducted over the last month at Candlewood Middle School in Dix Hills, helped teach over 200 students how they can help protect Long Island's waterways!

These educational programs are funded through the Suffolk County Stormwater Management Program. Programs can be requested through [email protected].

Spat-on-Shell Oyster Project in Quogue

This fall, the Marine Program teamed up with CCE Suffolk Board Member Andrew Lynch to grow spat-on-shell (SoS) oysters under the Bascule Bridge on Post Lane in Quogue. 

This pilot program, run during September and October, was a cooperative effort with Suffolk County DPW Department of Bridges and Waterways. The County allowed us to attach one of our oyster-growing floats to a portion of the bridge structure outside of the channel, to see if oysters would grow and if the gear would withstand the high currents of the Quogue Canal. Although this was only a short-term test, preliminary results were very encouraging in that the float was stable and the oysters grew well over the 30 days. 

In the coming year, we look to expand on this pilot by deploying SoS oysters throughout the growing season and we expect to identify a new reef site within Quogue (pending NYSDEC approval). As this program develops and expands, possibly involving more floats and oysters, the program expects this to tie into the larger "Back to the Bays" work centered out of the Tiana Bayside facility in Southampton. 

Tracy Marcus Honored by Town of Babylon

The Town of Babylon recently recognized Tracy Marcus, the Director of Sea Explorers Marine Camp and Outreach Programs at the Sport Fishing Education Center in Babylon, for her commendable efforts in securing funding for the implementation of signage along the fishing pier! These signs will serve as guides for a self-guided saltmarsh bird tour.

Funded through grants from the Long Island Community Foundation and New York Community Bank, the tour allows residents to learn about the beautiful native species that live right in their backyard. 

Check out the signs next time you visit the Sport Fishing Education Center!

Farewell Esteemed Board Members!

The CCE Suffolk Board of Directors will be saying goodbye to some of our board members as they look on to new endeavors. We wish them all the best in the future, and are incredibly grateful for the support and guidance they provided to our organization during their tenure.

Jeanne Schmitt Anson, Board

John Lehner, Board

Bianca Sullivan, Ag PAC

Kathy Kesmel, Farm PAC

Louann Rothe, Farm PAC

George Filopoulos, Marine PAC

2023 Shellabration

Saturday, December 2, 2023, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Sunday, December 3, 2023, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

The culinary event of the season will return to Greenport Village on December 2-3, 2023, from 12:00pm - 4:00pm each day. Participating restaurants will offer those wearing official Shellabration wristbands access to small plate menu items featuring local shellfish, paired with tasting pours of Long Island wine, craft beer and spirits. 

All proceeds generated from wristband sales will support the Marine Program’s shellfish restoration and community stewardship projects, specifically the SPAT Program (Suffolk Project in Aquaculture Training) and Back to the Bays Initiative.

It is highly recommended that Shellabrants reserve wristbands in advance, as this event sells out every year.

Learn more/Register

Parent Cafe:

Connetquot Public Library and Half Hallow Hills Library

Monday, December 4, 2023, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Find your community at the Parent Cafe!



Through this program, families can access free, research-based educational sessions conducted by expert Parent Educators, Nutrition Educators, Lactation Consultants, and more. As an added treat, gifts and light refreshments accompany these informative gatherings!

Available both online and in-person, the workshops cover different topics each week. Certificates of completion will be given to those who attend all programs.

Childcare is available!

Click the link below to learn more/register!

Parent Cafe - Connetquot Public Library

760 Ocean Avenue, Bohemia

Learn more/Register

Parent Cafe - Half Hallow Hills Library

55 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills

Learn more/Register

Virtual Diabetes Support Group

Tuesday, December 12, 2023, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

If you or your loved one have been diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes, join us for a FREE virtual Diabetes support group! All are welcome.

Diabetes support groups have been shown to improve health outcomes and can be a safe space to share your stories and learn from others with the condition. 

There is no need to register.

Zoom link

Meeting ID: 918 0748 4123

Passcode: Diabetes

Brew for the Bay Release Event

Friday, December 15, 2023, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

The CCE Suffolk Marine Program has joined together with our friends at Kidd Squid Brewing to create a brand new brew! 

All purchases of BREW for the BAY Sag Harbor will help raise funds and awareness for two local Sag Harbor projects – eelgrass revitalization and oyster bed restoration. Every can purchased seeds 10 oysters and plants 5 shoots of eelgrass!

Join us at the release event on 12/15, and be sure to place your pre orders soon!

Learn more