CCE Suffolk Receives $500,000+ to Develop Innovative Opioid Crisis Programs

We are incredibly proud to receive $500,000+ in funding from Suffolk County to create new programming meant to address the opioid crisis in our region.

Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone, along with a selection panel, has allocated a total of $20 million to not-for-profit and community-based organizations throughout Suffolk. Projects will include prevention and harm reduction, treatment, recovery, and various concepts such as vocational training, youth prevention, family counseling, peer support services and mobile response. 

Thank you to the County Executive's Office, the Suffolk County Legislature, Suffolk County Health, and the Suffolk County Opioid Task Force for this opportunity. 

Watch the full announcement from County Executive Steve Bellone here

Read the full story from LongIsland.com here

Attending City & State Above & Beyond: Gen X Event

I recently celebrated my naming to the City and State NY list NY’s Above & Beyond: Gen X at a lovely event with my husband, Chris, my son, Lucas, and Renée Smith Mooneyhan, a State Extension Specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension

Held in Manhattan, the celebration featured Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams as keynote speakers. Above & Beyond: Gen X recognizes 40 New Yorkers showcasing exceptional leadership in the public sector, blazing new trails to support their communities. 

Check out the full article here

Governor Hochul Visits LI to Announce $479 Million Investment in Local Water Infrastructure

I was honored to be in attendance at the Suffolk County Water Authority Education Center, alongside Marine Program Director Chris Pickerell and Water Quality Program Coordinator Carolyn Sukowski, as Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled a $479 million investment for more than 150 local water infrastructure projects across the state!

$20 million will help address the hundreds of thousands of substandard or failing septic systems and cesspools that significantly impair water quality in Suffolk, building on the more than $40 million in grants to Suffolk County since the program began.

Learn more here

Judging Hofstra's Entrepreneurship Assistance Center Program Competition

It was my pleasure to once again serve as a judge for the final pitch presentations of the Hofstra University Entrepreneurship Assistance Center Program!

This program is a 10-week course teaching budding entrepreneurs skills for growing a business and providing mentorship from an experienced network of entrepreneurs, staff, and instructors. Participants who exemplify a strong commitment and dedication to their business venture are eligible to receive scholarships.

Congratulations to all participants!

Learn more here

Hiking Connetquot State Park

with Kara Hahn

Have a New Year’s resolution to get out and get active in 2024?

Look no further than the beautiful state parks in our region! With 25+ state parks throughout Long Island, there is certainly no shortage of natural landscape to explore.

In 2024, New York's State Parks and Historic Sites will celebrate their Centennial, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of our parks and sites system. You can celebrate this remarkable anniversary by taking on the Centennial Challenge for a chance to win great prizes!

Check out myself and Kara Hahn, New York State Parks Deputy Regional Director for the Long Island region, taking on the trails of Connetquot State Park! CCE Suffolk is incredibly excited to continue our collaborative efforts with NYS Parks in 2024.

Celebrating the Holidays at CCE Suffolk

The holidays are in full swing at CCE Suffolk!

The CCE Suffolk Staff Holiday Party was a blast, held at our main offices in Riverhead. Gathering our staff under one roof is always a delightful occasion. Despite the wide range of disciplines and expertise among us, we all share a steadfast commitment to the mission of fostering a flourishing, healthy, and more inclusive Suffolk County.

Some of our program teams also got into the holiday spirit, hosting gatherings of their own at some of our learning sites across Suffolk!

Northeast Latino/a/x Agricultural Community Conference

CCE Suffolk is immensely proud to have played a key role in organizing the first-ever Northeast Latino/a/x Agricultural Community Conference!

Our Executive Director Vanessa Pino Lockel joined 15 other representatives from Long Island at the event, hosted by the Cornell Small Farms Program in Latham, NY. Attendees came from 16 counties across New York State, as well as from Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maryland and Florida. The 100+ agricultural professionals in attendance hailed from a diverse array of countries, including Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic.

According to a report from the New York State Comptroller, there was a 26 percent increase in the total number of Hispanic and Latino farmers between 2012 and 2019. The Futuro en Ag project of the Cornell Small Farms Program is tailored to offer direct support to this growing demographic within New York's farming industry. The inaugural Northeast Latino/a/x Agricultural Community Conference is a key component of this remarkable initiative, uniting farmers, farm supervisors, agricultural employees, and aspiring farmers to strengthen networks and cultivate additional opportunities.

Learn more about the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University's Small Farms Program here

Learn more about the Futuro en Ag project here

World AIDS Marathon

Thank you to everyone who supported the 2023 World AIDS Marathon, Half, 10K & 5K, both in-person and virtually around the world!

Team CCE Suffolk was proud to place 2nd at the event and receive a prize donation of $750, led by an amazing performance by our Executive Director Vanessa Lockel in the half marathon!

Held by the Richard M. Brodsky Foundation, proceeds from the race will benefit the foundation’s work in Kenya, as well as St. John's Episcopal Hospital, Harmony HealthCare Long Island and Northwell Health.

Check out the CBS New York coverage of the race here

Poinsettia Delivery from Independent Group Home Living

The holidays at CCE Suffolk would not be complete without our annual poinsettia delivery from Independent Group Home Living Inc. (IGHL)!

We are always so happy to welcome IGHL residents at the Suffolk County Farm & Education Center, and it's a true honor to be one of the nonprofits to receive poinsettias from them each year.

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

2024 Long Island Agricultural Forum

Join us for the 43nd Annual Long Island Agricultural Forum!

The LI Agricultural Forum is a two-day educational program for all those in the agriculture and ornamental horticulture industries, with programming tailored to the needs and issues of these industries as they pertain to Long Island. 

Sessions cover topics such as agricultural labor, viticulture, greenhouses, transitioning to organic, beginning a farm, aquaculture, and more!

For more information and to register, click here

Dairy Runway Program for Food Entrepreneurs

Are you an entrepreneur with an idea for a product utilizing dairy?

Through Dairy Runway, food entrepreneurs and dairy innovators with ideas for dairy products using New York State cow milk can participate in a FREE, virtual entrepreneurship course!

Up to 10 teams will be selected into each Dairy Runway cohort. Throughout the course, industry experts and food entrepreneurs join virtual sessions to discuss product branding, consumer trends, and the challenges of bringing novel products to market. The program is a collaboration between the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Northeast Dairy Food Research Center, Grow-NY, the Cornell Institute for Food Systems, and the Cornell Center for Regional Economic Advancement.

Applications for the winter cohort are now open!

Learn more here

2024 Long Island Greenhouse

& Floriculture Conference

This one day educational conference and trade show for greenhouse growers and industry professionals will address current issues and updates. Topics covered include saving water, invasive pests, legislative updates, and more. 

Learn more and register here

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].

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.

National Institute of Food and Agriculture Project Directors Meeting

Zahrine Bajwa, Community Education Program Director, and Christina Nadolne, Project Manager, were in New Orleans to attend the National Institute of Food and Agriculture Project Directors Meeting! Also in attendance were CCE Nassau County and the East End Food Institute.

The three day conference highlighted programs from across the US, fostering a better understanding of the challenges and successes around the Fruit and Veggie Rx programs. The team will be coming home with great ideas!

Workshops with Helen Keller Services for the Blind

The team recently celebrated the completion of a nutrition and healthy living series at the Helen Keller Services for the Blind, Islandia and Hempstead locations. This concluded a 7-month series with a modified ESBA lessons for persons who are blind and/or visually impaired.

Helen Keller Services for the Blind has been dedicated to serving individuals who are blind, DeafBlind, have low vision, or experience combined hearing and vision loss since 1893. These workshops play a crucial role in promoting health and well-being within the visually impaired community.

Snap-Ed Winter Newsletter

Check out the Snap-Ed Winter Newsletter for upcoming nutrition events and an awesome recipe for Banana Split Oatmeal!

Read here

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!

Surveyed participants at the last Parent Cafe held at the Connetquot Library reported the following:

• 80% reported using positive discipline strategies to teach their children appropriate behavior
• 90% reported feeling more confident in their parenting abilities
• 100% reported having more patience with their child when they have a temper tantrum as a result of attending the Parent Cafe

Quotes from participants:

“What a gift to be able to get this information while having free childcare. When my first child was a toddler, it was so hard to find the time , motivation and energy to learn these parenting strategies. Having a community to keep me coming back each week was so helpful.”

“This helped a lot with parenting and getting out of the house. I will use these techniques every day.”

“Thank you so much for hosting these classes and providing your experience and education. It has helped me better evaluate and grow with my son.”

Childcare is available!

Click the link below to 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

How can I make 2024 a better year for me than 2023?

It’s always advantageous to think ahead and plan for success early on. In considering making a new year your best yet, consider all aspects of your health: physical, emotional, and mental. If you think holistically and stay in balance, you will achieve much more with less stress.

First of all, have faith in yourself. Be confident and optimistic. Your mindset influences your behavior. Be patient and trust that things will work out. Small steps in a positive direction lead to greater life satisfaction.

Research shows that engaging in some sort of regular physical activity is not only good for your body, but also good for your mind. Staying active is linked to good mental health and brain function. Physical activity on a regular basis improves your body’s fitness level which helps to prevent injuries or to quicker healing if you are injured. Exercise and getting sufficient Vitamin D boost your immune system.

Mental and emotional fitness keeps your mind sharp and creative. Try to expand your knowledge in an area that interests you, perhaps in a new hobby. Even organizing your home, or a room in your home, or one closet will provide a sense of accomplishment. You might find that de-cluttering opens up new options for you. Just as important is maintaining or expanding your social network. Friends add so much to our lives and research again demonstrates that having these close bonds with others both enriches and adds years to our lives.

Let’s pledge to make this new year our best yet. Be mindful, be joyful, be generous, and be grateful. Happy New Year!

The Sounder: Suffolk County 4-H Newsletter

Did you know Suffolk County 4-H has its own newsletter?

Check out the December issue of The Sounder for info on the new Archery Program, Chicken Club, and 4-H events coming up in 2024!

Read here

CCE Suffolk’s 4-H Youth Development programs help get Suffolk youth unplugged and out into their communities. At our many CCE learning sites, students can learn about Long Island agriculture, marine issues, and the environment. Our youth programming is also offered in schools, afterschool programs, day and residential camps, and through 4-H Clubs. 

Learn more about Suffolk County 4-H here

4-H Holiday Activities

Our 4-Hers have really been getting into the holiday spirit!

The 4-H Pack Goat club participated in the Yaphank Christmas Parade and even had the opportunity to get on stage with a few other four-legged friends! 

The 4-H Trailblazers club spread holiday cheer and gratitude by crafting cards to send to local veterans! The kids designed their own cards and wrote personalized messages in each one to show the love and appreciation they have for those that serve. 

In Nesconset, The Taking Flight Homeschool 4-H club collected and fundraised for supplies to donate to Paws Of War. Paws of War supports veterans, active military members, and first responders with services that enrich their lives through the rescue and training of service dogs for independence, adoption of companion animals, rescue of overseas animals in war zones, and other essential services to assist our heroes in need. 

December Programs

Holiday programming w in full swing at the farm!

Wreath making and gingerbread workshops were both sold out, and kids at the farm have been enjoying the Yesterday’s Child and Animal Experience/Wagon Ride programs. Other workshops held this year include gingerbread barn making, candle making, educational sessions on snowflakes, and more!

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

You can also join our Executive Director on her Thursday and Friday morning runs on the property? Please email [email protected] to sign up.

Check Out The New CCE Suffolk Clean Energy Program Webpage

The new Clean Energy Program will help to connect Suffolk County homes and businesses with the rapidly growing clean energy sector, offering home energy efficiency opportunities, municipal and communal clean energy opportunities, resources for finding job training and employment in the clean energy sector, and more!

View the new webpage here

You can stay up-to-date with the latest from this great program by following along on Facebook and subscribing to the monthly Clean Energy Newsletter!

2023 New York Clean Energy Industry Report Finds Clean Energy Jobs At Highest Level Ever in NYS

The 2023 New York Clean Energy Industry Report released by NYSERDA provides data on the State's clean energy industry through the end of 2022. The report shows New York’s clean energy economy grew 3.5 percent from 2021 to 2022, outpacing statewide economic growth at 3 percent and adding nearly 30,000 jobs since 2015, when NYSERDA first began tracking clean energy jobs. 

Additional key findings from this year's report include: 

• New York had nearly 171,000 clean energy workers at the end of 2022, an increase of 5,800 jobs since 2021. 
• Clean energy job growth took place across all technology sectors
• Building decarbonization and energy efficiency added over 2,000 jobs and accounted for 75 percent of all clean energy employment in 2022. 
• Clean and alternative transportation continued to experience exceptional growth, expanding by almost 20 percent, or 2,223 jobs in just twelve months. 
• Grid modernization and energy storage grew by 10 percent, or 241 jobs. 
• Renewable electric power generation also experienced 5 percent growth, with over 1,200 new jobs. 

Read the full report here

For more information on how NYSERDA is advancing a robust clean energy workforce, please see NYSERDA’s website

Shellabration 2023

Thank you to everyone that came out to Shellabration 2023! 

This was our 12th annual culinary celebration showcasing local Long Island shellfish, drinks, and products at some of the finest establishments Greenport has to offer. 

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

Shellfish Restoration Efforts Featured by Moore

Charitable Foundation

Thank you to The Moore Charitable Foundation for this awesome article on the Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program's shellfish restoration efforts!

The quality of the nearshore marine environment on Long Island is closely linked to the abundance and diversity of filter-feeding shellfish. For nearly 40 years, the CCE Suffolk Marine Program has been collaborating with Long Island officials and residents in an effort to restore native shellfish populations. 

Read here

The Moore Charitable Foundation is committed to effective environmental conservation and community stewardship through strong partnerships, working to preserve open land and healthy forests, ensuring clean water, advancing marine species protections, and more.

Registration Open for

Sea Explorers Marine Camp

Sign ups are now open for a ton of great programs held by Sea Explorers Marine Camp in Babylon!

2/18 Arctic Animals: Explore the frozen world of creatures that call the Arctic and Antarctic home.

3/10 Cool Crustaceans: Spend some time with your pre-schooler and our cool crustaceans as we learn all about these amazing crawling creatures of the sea!

4/14 Marine Reptiles and their Land-based Buddies: Discover what makes a reptile a reptile and what adaptations these creatures have to help them survive in some of the world’s most unique environments.

February Break Program - Things that Sting (and Things that Don't)

2/20 (ages 9-12) and 2/22 (ages 6-8)

Discover some of the local and global sea creatures that are known to sting, bite, or slime us! We will also look at some of the creatures that don’t sting and dispel some of the myths associated with them. 

Spring Beach Walks

4/23 and 4/26

Come and explore the beautiful sandy beaches of Long Island’s South Shore with us! We’ll look for marine creatures that call the salt marsh and barrier beaches home and learn some fun facts about them. Make sure to dress for the weather and wear shoes that can get muddy/wet as we’ll be walking outdoors for 1.5 hours.

Learn more and register here

Caring for Yourself

Thursday, January 11, 2024, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

For expecting parents and parents with children under 5.

Caring for oneself means taking time to do things for our own mental, emotional, and physical health. Often, we forget about self-care as we become stressed or overwhelmed, just when we need it most. Caring for oneself allows parents and other caregivers to provide security, support, and predictability for the entire family which can help keep anxiety levels from escalating.

During this program we will introduce strategies for stress management and suggestions for self-care.

Learn more/Register

Winter Homeschool Series

Wednesday, January 17, 2024, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Wednesday, February 14, 2024, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

This winter, we are offering three classes that serve as the perfect addition to any homeschool curriculum.

One class each month running from 12pm-1pm. These classes are for youth ages 5-10 and are $50 for all three. Pre-registration is required.

Topics are as follows:

• January 17th- Winter Wildlife
• February 14th- Birds of a Feather
• March 20th- Egg to Chick

Please note: In order to provide quality programs we need at least 8 people signed up in order for the program to proceed - so please don't wait to register. In the instance that there are not enough registrants and the class must be canceled, you will be notified one week in advance

Learn more/Register

Your Baby's First Year

Thursday, January 18, 2024, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

For expecting parents and parents with children under 5.

Congratulations on the arrival of this new member of your family! The first year in a baby’s life is filled with the potential of tremendous growth: physically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally.

Learn how important your daily interactions with your baby are, and how you can stimulate and promote healthy growth and development during this critical time.

Learn more/Register

New York Seafood Summit

Friday, February 16, 2024, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Join us for the 8th Annual NY Seafood Summit!

This event features seafood professionals with vested interest in

New York’s seafood industry coming together to foster active communications, build productive relationships, and inspire collaboration throughout the state. 

This year’s summit will focus on access and opportunities to and for New

York seafood. Activities include:

• Panel Discussion on Access and Opportunities for New York Seafood
• Industry Spotlight: What’s Happening in New York
• Local Seafood Tastings

Learn more

Certified Nursery & Landscape Professional (CNLP) Exam Review Course

Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Wednesday, January 31, 2024, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Wednesday, February 7, 2024, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Wednesday, February 14, 2024, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Tuesday, February 20, 2024, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

This course is designed to supplement study for landscape professionals interested in becoming a CNLP. Select topics from the CNLP Training Manual will be reviewed. 

As a CNLP in New York state, you will become one of many green industry professionals who share a common desire to continue their education and grow as professionals. In order to qualify for the CNLP Program, you must have graduated from a recognized two- or four-year college with a degree in a horticulture-related field, OR have at least three years experience working in the horticulture industry. 

Visit the NYS Nursery and Landscape website to start the process of becoming a CNLP

Folks new to horticulture and landscape management are welcome and encouraged to participate. All sessions offered both in person and via Zoom, except Session 4 (Feb. 14), which is in person only.

Learn more/Register

Board of Directors Monthly Meeting

Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

The January meeting of the CCE Suffolk Board of Directors will be held at our main offices in Riverhead:

423 Griffing Avenue

Riverhead, NY 11901

Learn more

The Early Years Matter

Thursday, January 25, 2024, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

For expecting parents and parents with children under 5.

Research on brain development reveals that the first years of life are critical for healthy development. Early attachments and experiences have a powerful impact on a child’s intellectual, emotional, and social development. This workshop will enable parents to realize their role in nurturing their child’s brain development.

Learn more/Register

Baby Let's Sleep

Thursday, February 1, 2024, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

For expecting parents and parents with children under 5.

During a child’s first two years of life, sleep problems are one of the most common complaints of parents. In this workshop for parents of infants and toddlers, we will review sleep requirements, recommendations, and routines. We will also look at normal infant sleeping patterns and discuss ways that parents can help their baby learn how to self-soothe and fall asleep.

Learn more/Register

Nourishing Yourself and Baby

Thursday, February 8, 2024, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

For expecting parents and parents with children under 5.

In this session, we discuss preconception and pregnancy nutrition and focus on important nutrients for the expecting mother and the baby. We will have a healthy, quick recipe for the participants.

Learn more/Register

2024 Veterinary Medicine Career Exploration Program

Thursday, February 15, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:45 PM

Thursday, February 29, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:45 PM

Thursday, March 7, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:45 PM

Thursday, March 14, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:45 PM

Thursday, March 21, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:45 PM

Is there a high school student in your life interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine?

Registration is open for the 33rd annual Veterinary Medicine Career Exploration Program!

This 5-part lecture series is full of information on topics such as the vet school admission process, different veterinary specialties, and what it is like to be a veterinarian. Lectures will be held in-person at the Yaphank County Office Building (360 Yaphank Ave, Yaphank).

**Please note: In order to be eligible for the scholarship and certificate of completion only one absence is allowed, no exceptions.

Questions? Email Kate Perz, 4-H Animal Science Educator, at [email protected]

Learn more/Register

Winter Camp at the

Suffolk County Farm

Monday, February 19, 2024, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Tuesday, February 20, 2024, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Thursday, February 22, 2024, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Friday, February 23, 2024, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Open to grades K – 6, our Winter Camp inspires youth to have fun outside while learning about agriculture, animal science, nutrition, healthy living, and life skills on a 100-year-old working farm. Rooted in the 4-H Positive Youth Development framework, our programs teach youth to use their Head, Heart, Hands and Health to foster self-esteem, teamwork and respect.

Each day will include different activities, interactions with farm animals, crafts, wagon rides and much more!

Learn more/Register