January

2023

Executive Director Highlight

Thank You to County Executive Steve Bellone & The Suffolk County Legislature!


Many thanks to our collaborators and community partners at the Suffolk County Legislature for their continued support for CCE Suffolk through our inclusion in this year's county budget!


The 2022 Responsible 100 by City & State


Each year, media organization City & State puts a spotlight on 100 exceptional individuals who exemplify what it means to be socially responsible. I am honored to be named to the 2022 Responsible 100 list, and want to thank all CCE staff for their dedication to our organization!


Read the full article here

CCE Nassau & Suffolk to Partner on Long Island Clean Energy Hub



We are incredibly excited to be embarking on a new partnership with CCE Nassau County to bring innovative clean energy resources to Long Island!


The Long Island Regional Clean Energy Hub will unify the region’s clean energy programs and services, and build on the extensive relationships, expertise and experience of CCE associations and partnering agencies.


The project supports Governor Kathy Hochul’s nation-leading climate goals outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, as well as the State’s goal to deliver 40 percent of the benefits from clean energy investments to disadvantaged communities and help advance an equitable clean energy transition for all New Yorkers.


Read more about NYS Regional Clean Energy Hubs here

Trust in Leadership Workshop


In early December, I was fortunate to attend the Virtual Trust Edge Cornell Follow-Up Session 2.0, a workshop exploring the value of trust in an organization's leadership. Thank you Cornell Cooperative Extension for making this information accessible to us at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County on Long Island!

Visit to Ocean Fog Farm


I had a great time visiting Ocean Fog Farm in Eastport, NY! 


Ocean Fog Farm continues the storied farming history of Eastport, offering striking bouquets composed of flowers grown on their own property. The picturesque farm is also available by appointment for events and weddings!


Learn more here

Long Island Smart Growth Summit


The LI Smart Growth Summit brings together community leaders, businesses, and government agencies to discuss solving problems, lobbying for funds for Long Island communities, promoting our downtowns, creating jobs, and providing services for people in need.


This year's summit had over 1,000 local leaders in attendance, along with a trade show, 20 workshops, and a youth summit.


Thank you to Vision Long Island, Main Street Alliance, and all the wonderful panelists for an amazing event!



DEIB Updates

(Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, & Belonging)

Latina Mentorship Program @ Brentwood High School


In partnership with the NYS Mentoring Program, the Latina Mentoring Program pairs Latina government, community, and corporate leaders with 9th & 10th student mentees, meeting twice a month.


The mentorship focuses on connecting young Latinas to internships, scholarship opportunities, and professional development, while celebrating heritage and creating a community. 


I am a proud mentor and committee member in this program, and look forward to taking part in similar initiatives in the future!


Learn more here

Program Updates

Agriculture

Suffolk County Legislature County Executive Steve Bellone Meets with LI Farmers


Last month, the Long Island Farm Bureau hosted Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone to discuss the heavy hitting issues impacting our farming community!


Thank you to Executive Bellone for your continued support of Suffolk's agricultural industries.

Community Education

Parenting Tips Podcast by CCE Suffolk


Listen to the new CCE Suffolk Parenting Tips podcast episode on Your Baby's First Year!


"Parenting Tips" is a podcast by CCE Suffolk’s Community Education team that supports parents and caregivers by translating timely child development research into practical and helpful information. 


Listen Here

The Community Education Blog


Did you know our CCE Suffolk Community Education & Nutrition program runs its very own blog? Check it out for tips on family health, wellness, and safety to take with you into the new year!


Community Ed Blog

Suffolk County Farm & 4-H

Annual IGHL Poinsettia Delivery


One of our favorite parts of the holiday season: Our annual poinsettia delivery from the Independent Group Home Living Program!


Independent Group Home Living, Inc. (IGHL) was founded in 1978 in Mt. Sinai to provide a community-based, homelike environment that encouraged personal growth and a genuine sense of belonging to a community for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.


We are always so happy to welcome IGHL residents at the Suffolk County Farm & Education Center, and to be one of the nonprofits to receive poinsettias from them each year!

Suffolk County Farm Begins

Winter Programs


Registration is open now for Winter Early Childhood Programs at the Farm!


Explore our farm with hands-on-activities, stories, songs and a wagon ride (weather permitting) and visit the animals. Each session has been designed to accentuate the child/caregiver learning experience. We will be outside as much as possible, indoor space will be used if necessary. Dress for the weather!


Learn more/Register here

Marine

Kelp Presentation @ Suffolk County Legislature


The Marine Program was honored to speak at the final meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature Environment, Parks, and Agriculture Committee for 2022.


The presentation explored the feasibility of growing kelp in the Peconic Bay, as well as the benefits of kelp aquaculture. Kelp is a sustainable crop that has promising uses in many Long Island industries and businesses.


It is always our pleasure and honor to consult with our local politicians to help them better understand how our programs can make a difference!


Learn more about our Kelp Aquaculture Feasibility Study

Shellebration 2022


Thank you to everyone that came out to Shellabration 2022!


This was our 11th annual culinary celebration showcasing local Long Island shellfish, drinks, and products at some of the finest establishments Greenport has to offer.

Monkfish Survey


CCE has partnered with seafood industry members to make a regionwide effort to increase monkfish domestic demand. Monkfish is an affordable, tasty and sustainable seafood option; However, this fish remains underutilized in the U.S!


CCE is surveying commercial fishermen, seafood dealers, seafood processors, and consumers throughout the region to learn more about the monkfish industry and consumer awareness levels. We would greatly appreciate your input. Please complete the survey(s) that apply to your user group or groups below:


Consumers Click Here

Fishermen Click Here

Dealer/Processors Click Here

Retailers Click Here


More on the Monkfish Initiative

Employee of the Month

Kimmarie Varricchio


Kimmarie is a dedicated grant manager and member of the Finance team here at CCE Suffolk. Throughout the many changes our organization has undergone in recent years, she remains organized and always willing to help. On top of her day-to-day tasks, Kimmarie is also a very helpful contributor to the Events Committee.


Congratulations Kimmarie!

Donate Here

Your support enables us to continue to be a vital and necessary part of our county’s future. Your gift today helps ensure our programs of tomorrow.

Jingle Mingle 2022


Every December, our staff gathers for our annual holiday celebration: the Jingle Mingle!


This year's event was rich with the spirit of the season, as staff members from all program areas gathered to share great food, and even a gingerbread house decorating contest!


Thank you to the CCE Suffolk Events team for yet another spectacular gathering!


Sonia Spar Becomes New Board President, Mark Cisz Steps Down


CCE Suffolk is proud to announce our new President of the Board of Directors: Sonia Spar!


Sonia is a strategic thinker with more than 20 years of experience in leadership positions working with government agencies, and internationally recognized higher education and non-profit institutions. She is an expert in developing and strengthening relationships with stakeholders, and identifying diverse opportunities for growth. She is an advocate for children’s education, leadership, equity, inclusion, respect and civility.


Thank you to Mark Cisz for his years of service as President of the CCE Suffolk Board of Directors! Mark will remain on the board as a member.

CCE Suffolk Welcomes New Board Members!

George LaMay, an Arborist certified by the International Society of Arborists, Inc, has been an active supporter of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County for nearly two decades. He and his wife of 50 years, Cynthia, founded LaMay's Tree Service in Greenlawn, N.Y. in 1972. George served on the board of the Long Island Arboricultural Association years before becoming its president in 2002, has served on the Board of Directors for Cornell University, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County (2007 – 2013) and as Chair of the Program Advisory Committee for the Agriculture Program, as well as with other CCE board committees. Currently, George is the President of the Education Foundation for Suffolk County Extension, Inc.


Jennifer Carpenter Low brings three decades of experience in the nonprofit sector serving in program, fund development, and executive roles with local, national, and international organizations, spanning the realms of advocacy, disaster relief, and education. She has also led several successful fundraising initiatives and events, and expanded award-winning K-12 anti-bias education programs into seven European countries, Japan, and Israel. Jennifer most recently served as Vice President of Smile Farms Inc., leading the development and execution of Smile Farms' vision and strategy. Smile Farms creates employment, vocational, and educational opportunities in agricultural settings for hundreds of people with disabilities. Smile Farms was twice named a finalist for a Long Island Imagine Award in the "Rising Star" category during her tenure. 


Morgan Morrison is a lifelong resident of Suffolk County and is deeply rooted in this community. Morgan grew up fishing, clamming, and sailing on the North Shore of Long Island. He is a lover of all things natural as well as an avid beekeeper and gardener. He holds a BSc in Computer Science from Stony Brook University and currently works as a Horticultural Consultant in the private sector. Morgan also serves as an elected Trustee in the Village of Old Field. Morgan loves problem solving, and is excited to bring his time and technological expertise to advancing the varied missions of CCE Suffolk. 

Upcoming Events

Long Island Agricultural Forum

Wednesday, January 11, 2023, 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Thursday, January 12, 2023, 8:00 AM - 5:45 PM


Join us for the 42nd Annual Long Island Agricultural Forum!


Each day of the event, attendees must sign in at the registration desk which will be located in the new Health and Wellness Center at the college. Lunch tickets, if purchased, will be handed out at that time. Lunch will be served in the Health and Wellness Center. 


Please note that the cafeteria will not be operational during the event so if lunch was not pre-purchased, you will have to go offsite for food.


Register Here

Long Island Greenhouse & Floriculture Conference

Tuesday, January 17, 2023, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM


This one day educational conference and trade show for greenhouse growers and industry professionals will address current issues and updates.


Register Here

Agritourism Workshop Series

Tuesday, January 17, 2023, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM


Are you thinking of starting an agritourism business or are you currently operating one?

Join our monthly lunch-hour, workshop virtual series and learn how to grow your agritourism business!


The first session will cover the basics of running an agritourism operation. The following sessions will focus on specific topic to help aspiring agritourism entrepreneurs grow their knowledge and profit through this exciting on-farm business.


Register Here

wine_fields.jpg

Unpacking Gender Workshop - for Professionals

Friday, January 20, 2023, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM


Join us for our Unpacking Gender for Professionals Zoom workshop, where we will reframe traditional understandings of gender, build a deeper understanding of gender-diverse individuals, and offer everyday skills to navigate a gender-expansive world. 


Research emphasizes the importance of support to improve outcomes for gender diverse youth; we will use breakout rooms and activities to explore concrete strategies for becoming an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and supporting gender-diverse youth and their families.


Register Here

Cook a Fish, Give a Fish Cooking Class

Thursday, January 26, 2023, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM


This class will be led by Chef Jay Lippin of East End Food Institute in Southampton, NY.


Chef Jay will be teaching guests how to prepare “Monkfish Taco Salad.” Most people are unaware that monkfish are harvested right off Long Island. This delicious fish is known as "poor man's lobster" since the meat is firm and similar in texture to lobster. U.S. wild-caught monkfish is a smart seafood choice because it is sustainably managed and responsibly harvested under strict U.S. regulations.


This in-person live cooking event will be held at the East End Food Market at 139 Main Road in Riverhead, NY.


Register Here


There are a number of opportunities available at our Peconic Dunes 4-H Camp for this summer! Openings include:


Assistant Camp Director for Wellness

Camp Aquatics Director

Camp Health Director

Camp Health Assistant

Camp Program Director

Counselor-In-Training Coordinator

Day Camp Program Director

Unit Coordinator

Food Service Manager/Head Cook

Kitchen Assistant

Head Lifeguard

Housekeeper

Senior Camp Counselor

Junior Camp Counselor

Office Assistant

Pre-Season Food Service Manager


Click on any of the above to learn more!



View All Employment & Volunteer Opportunities Here

Facebook            Instagram            LinkedIn            Twitter